Title : The challenge after Hurricanes Irma and Maria to maintain leadership and quality in the teaching learning process of nursing program
Abstract:
In this conference I will introduce Puerto Rico, a very small Island in the Caribbean. Due to its location, is propense to hurricanes and earthquakes, among other atmospheric phenomenon, principally during hurricane season from June 1st to November 30, of each year. Some of these systems are predictable, but others not. Hurricane Irma was the first to affect the Island on September 6, 2017, and Hurricane Maria on September 20, 2017. Even when Hurricane Irma did not pass over the Island, more than half of it was without power and affected by winds and floods. Hospitals were working with backup generators and roads have been destroyed. Two weeks after Irma, hurricane Maria reaches the Island, and passed at 160 miles/hr., classified as a Category V system, leaving on its way, desolation, landslide, aggravation of situation post Irma, destruction to properties, and paralyzing the functioning of the country, both in the private and public sector, including nursing education program.
The concern of this study is focus on completion of nursing programs, and the best strategies to meet student learning outcomes, standards of care, and competencies, when students are affected by all this issue, including the disorders post trauma. Maintaining leadership and quality as two of the main competencies, was a challenge after the hurricanes. Hospital industry was confronting one of the greatest problems of the Island because some of them were destroyed and couldn’t operate, and others were functioning with generators. Some hospitals were forced to transfer their patients to another hospital, due to generator collapse or fuel insufficiency. All workers, including students and healthcare professionals, were affected due to transportation problems, isolated roads, and endless lines to buy gasoline, when available. Given this situation, one must be assertive in decisions and social compliance, using the available resources.
The problem to be investigated is how the structured education and practice of the nursing program (NP) maintained the teaching learning process, in leadership and quality competencies, after hurricanes. This research is focus in the NP compliance with the accreditation standards and essentials of Nursing Education Accrediting Agencies, required nursing competencies, and related professional standards of care and practice.
Audience Take Away:
- Recognize how natural disasters disorganized our lives, and teaching and learning processes.
- Identify strategies that could be helpful to deal with post disaster challenges.
- Analyze how a phenomenon like hurricane is an opportunity to develop research.
- Utilizes students and faculty experience to deal with problems solution.
- Develop courses lessons and plans considering unexpected situations that may interrupt the study plan.
