WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME?:
This course gives you practical, evidence-based tools to respond confidently and effectively in disaster and emergency settings—while protecting your own well-being. You will strengthen your disaster response skills, learn strategies to manage stress and prevent burnout, and build resilience to sustain yourself through high-intensity deployments. With actionable guidance and ongoing support, you will be better prepared to care for those affected by disaster without sacrificing your own physical, emotional, and professional health.
PROFESSIONAL GAP:
As these disasters become more frequent, disaster relief nurses and community health workers are facing an exponentially increasing workload and shorter recovery periods. Their time for preparation and rest between deployments is decreasing, requiring new strategies to effectively prepare and recharge their demanding roles.
NEEDS ASSESSMENT:
The frequency and severity of natural disasters have been rising annually, as demonstrated by data from various sources, including the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). For instance, in 2024, there were 27 recorded natural disasters, slightly down from 28 in 2023, according to the NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information. Globally, the incidence of natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, and wildfires has also increased. This trend is attributed to factors like climate change, urbanization, and improved reporting mechanisms, as noted by Our World in Data.
DESCRIPTION:
This program is designed to equip disaster relief nurses with evidence-based strategies, practical skills, and ongoing support to navigate the unique demands of their roles—enhancing their ability to respond effectively to those needing assistance while prioritizing their own well-being and resilience.
PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
Introduction
- Explain how integrating social psychology principles enhances response planning and operational preparedness.
- Demonstrate the application of stress management strategies as a systemic element within disaster response teams.
- Analyze the role of community engagement in improving resilience during disaster response efforts.
Module One – Pre-Disaster Phase: Building Resilience and Readiness
- Assess individual and collective pre-disaster preparation
- Differentiate between normal and traumatic stress responses
- Utilize the resilience framework to create a personal resilience plan
- Apply a variety of strategies to attain and maintain resilience and readiness
Module Two – During a Disaster: Maintaining Stability in Crises
- Prioritize the principles of Psychological First Aid (PFA), including Look, Listen, and Link, in emergency response scenarios
- Promote real-time leadership strategies to sustain personal and team resilience during crises
- Demonstrate competency in triage, emergency interventions, evacuation coordination, shelter management, and communication within unpredictable and resource-constrained environments
- Integrate structured micro-breaks, peer mental health assessments, adaptive ethical decision-making, and closed-loop communication to enhance cognitive clarity and emotional endurance
- Employ simulation and policy-driven training to reinforce in-field decompression, relational support, and adaptable work-rest cycles
- Emphasize psychological preservation and energy management in emergency preparedness to enhance emotional regulation, expedite recovery, and safeguard the nursing workforce
Module Three – After the Response: Processing, Recovery, and Rebuilding with Intention
- Determine common post-disaster reactions among disaster responders and distinguish when to seek professional help.
- Understand the importance of self-reflection and journaling in processing the experience.
- Name at least three organizational and peer support systems for effective recovery from disaster exposure. Identify at least three effective strategies for rebuilding and post-traumatic growth among disaster responders.
USER EXPERIENCE CONSIDERATIONS
This program is designed for ease of use and enhanced accessibility, ensuring a seamless learning experience. Every slide includes a written transcript, and all content is fully voiced over with optional closed captions for flexibility. The Notepad feature allows you to take, save, and export notes anytime. A chatbot has also been integrated into the program. This chatbot is trained on the information given inside the program only and has rules around it to prevent it from providing incorrect or made-up information. Other features include:
- Resume Function – Save progress and resume where you left off.
- Resources Tab – Access, save, or print relevant supplemental materials.
- Tech Help Tab – Quickly contact Sigma’s support team from anywhere in the course, if needed.
- Menu & Transcript Tabs – Track progress and read along with narration.
- Customizable Playback Speed – Adjust speed from 0.25x to 2x.
- Additional Settings – Control volume, captions, and keyboard shortcuts for a personalized experience.
BIOGRAPHIES:
Sheryl Garriques-Lloyd, MSc, RN
Mrs. Sheryl Garriques-Lloyd is a Registered Nurse by profession. She completed additional nursing studies in psychiatric nursing, nursing administration and a Master of Science in Nursing Education. She is currently a Lecturer at The UWI School of Nursing, Mona in Kingston, Jamaica. She has written on mental health through research, blogs, articles and has done presentations locally, regionally and internationally. She is currently pursuing PhD studies in mental health at Lancaster University.
Melanie A. Martine, TSgt, USAF
Melanie has served as an Emergency Manager with the United States Air Force for a decade, gaining global experience in diverse emergency protocols. She has led numerous disaster preparedness exercises and managed three real-world crisis as an Emergency Operations Center Manager. Her career reflects a commitment to resilience, leadership, and operational excellence.
Disclaimer: Melanie's views expressed within this course are solely hers and do not reflect official positions of the United States Air Force.
Pedro E. Morante, DNP, PMHNP-BC, LNC, FNP-BC, NP-C, PMHNP-C, GERO-BC, MEDSURG-BC, PMH-BC, APRN CEN, CPEN, NHDP-BC, NRP, FAAN, FAEN
Pedro Morante, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC, is a distinguished NP leader, educator, and global mental health advocate. As Clinical Director of Psychup, he advances precision psychiatry, pharmacogenomics, and culturally sensitive care. Founder and CEO of PASS Review Center, he mentors future NPs nationwide. A respected clinician and speaker, Morante received the 2024 TOFA in Global Healthcare and the Amerika Prestige Award for Most Outstanding Filipino PMHNP.
Jamla Rizek, DNP, MBA, RN
Jamla Rizek is a decorated emergency and disaster nurse, international speaker, and active-duty nurse officer with over 19 years of frontline experience. She has responded to some of the world's most complex public
