As a nurse you are constantly looking for ways to help people out. Travel nurses are no different, especially after a disaster. For any nurse, preparation is crucial. Be prepared by signing up for a state disaster volunteer registry near you or where you are licensed.
If you hold a state license, get registered now as a state disaster volunteer. We recommend doing this, as soon as possible, so there is no delay when a disaster strike’s.
Who is Eligible? In most states the following can register as healthcare volunteers:
- Advanced practice registered nurses (nurse practitioners, certified nurse anesthetists, certified nurse midwives, clinical nurses specialists)
- Behavioral health professionals (marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, psychologists, and mental health counselors)
- Cardiovascular technologist and technicians
- Diagnostic medical sonographers
- Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics
- Licensed practical nurses and licensed vocational nurses
- Medical and clinical laboratory technicians (includes phlebotomists)
- Medical and clinical laboratory technologists
- Physicians
- Physician assistants
- Radiologic technologists and technicians
- Registered nurses
- Respiratory therapists
National Disaster Volunteer Organizations
There are several National Agencies that you can pre-register with. These are National Government approved disaster volunteer organizations. To list a few:
- Emergency System for Advance Registration of Volunteer Health Professionals – US Deptartment of Health & Human Services
- Medical Reserve Corp – Home
- National Voluntary Organizations Active In Disaster – Volunteer
- National Citizen Corp
- National Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)
Other Volunteer Organizations
- All Hands and Hearts Smart Response
- American Red Cross
- FEMA’s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
- Habitat for Humanity
- Hope Worldwide
- The Salvation Army
- World Vision
- RNRN – RN Response Network
Disaster Volunteer Registry State Agencies
In addition to the volunteer organizations listed above, each state has their own State operated volunteer registry for disaster and/or emergency response. You can call your state’s health department for more information on healthcare providers volunteering & registration. There are many other opportunities to volunteer and get involved.
Other Helpful Links:
https://www.nursingworld.org/get-involved/disaster-relief/
https://www.nursingworld.org/our-certifications/national-healthcare-disaster/
