NURS FPX 4060 Assessment 3 Disaster Recovery  NURS-FPX 4060 Practicing in the Community to Improve Population Health 

Introduction Hello everyone, I am —-, and I hope you are well. I am a registered nurse currently serving as the senior nurse at Valley City Regional Hospital. I’m here now to give a thorough disaster management and recovery plan to address our community’s anticipated threat of severe tornadoes. Our hospital administrator, Jennifer Paulson, recently informed me that the National Weather Service has warned about an elevated risk of severe tornadoes this season. This news underscores the urgent need to prepare to minimize potential mass casualties and ensure that our hospital remains operational during and after such a disaster. This disaster plan provides a structured and effective response to potential tornado-related emergencies. Given the lessons gained from earlier events, such as the catastrophic train derailment and explosion two years ago, it is clear that we need a well-coordinated and detailed plan to avoid the chaos and inefficiencies experienced during that event (Capella University, n.d.). With this plan, we aim to mobilize our resources, assess our needs and strengths, and implement concrete action steps to protect our community and enhance our recovery efforts. Let’s now delve into the specifics of our disaster management and recovery plan. Determinants of Health and Related Barriers Impacting Disaster Recovery Efforts Health is influenced by various interconnected factors, including cultural, social, and economic elements. These factors encompass the conditions in which we live, our environmental surroundings, our religious and customary beliefs, genetics, education levels, and the nature of our relationships with peers and families. Collectively, these are known as the determinants of health. When crafting a disaster recovery plan, it’s crucial to consider these determinants and potential barriers to ensure its effectiveness in disaster preparedness and recovery (Rahmani et al., 2022). Now, let’s explore some obstacles that can impact our disaster recovery efforts. Cultural Barriers Cultural barriers can significantly impact disaster recovery efforts. Cultural customs and beliefs can also affect how people view and respond to disaster warnings and recovery efforts. For example, some cultural groups might prioritize collective decision-making, which can delay immediate action during emergencies, resulting in slower response times and increased vulnerability (Rahmani et al., 2022). Valley City has a predominantly white population (93%), with small percentages of Latino (3%), African-American (2%), Native American (1%), and other races (1%). Furthermore, the number of unauthorized migrant laborers with poor English ability is uncertain. This diversity means that some of our population may face communication challenges during emergencies, leading to misunderstandings and delayed responses (Capella University, n.d.). Social Barriers Social factors, such as community networks and social cohesion, play a critical role in disaster recovery. In Valley City, 17.1% of the population is under 18, 22% are 65 or older, and a significant portion has special needs, including 204 elderly residents with complex health conditions and 147 physically disabled individuals who rely on lip-reading or American Sign Language for communication (Capella University, n.d.). The city’s homeless population cannot be housed at the shelter due to its total capacity. This indicates a vulnerable population segment that may struggle to receive timely information and assistance during a disaster. The city’s financial crisis further strained the social structure, resulting in layoffs at the police and fire departments and weakening the emergency response capabilities (Finucane et al., 2020). Economic Barriers Economic factors are crucial in disaster recovery efforts. Valley City is amid a financial crisis, with looming insolvency and layoffs in critical services like the fire and police agencies. This economic instability means that many residents and the city need more resources to prepare for or recover from a disaster adequately. For instance, the Valley City Regional Hospital, a 105-bed facility currently housing 97 patients, needs more infrastructure and equipment, including overhauling aging ambulances (Capella University, n.d.). Persistent deficits have prevented necessary upgrades, and the hospital may need to downsize its nursing staff. This economic hardship exacerbates social and cultural barriers, as those with fewer resources may have limited access to information, support networks, and essential services, further hindering recovery efforts (Finucane et al., 2020). These interconnected factors influence safety, health, and disaster recovery efforts. Cultural factors synergistically impact these efforts, including unique customs and social aspects. Addressing cultural factors through cultural sensitivity principles, alongside tackling s