- Email: [email protected]
Nurses Needed for Disaster Teams
Nurses Needed for Disaster Teams Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) is a group of professional and paraprofessional medical personnel (supported by a cadre of logistical and administrative staff) designed to provide emergency medical care during a disaster or other event. Participation in DMATs is voluntary, and the Department of Health and Human Services is in desperate need of registered nurses willing to assist during major disasters. If you are interested in participating in the DMAT program, additional information can be found online at http://ndms.dhhs.gov.
A
Post-September 11 Resources
S
The growing number of participants in our nation's clinical trials last year is indicative of a trend in which consumers are becoming more receptive to considering investigational treatments as part of their medical options
260
AWHONN Lifelines
ince September 11, 2001, all Americans are dealing with a new and sometimes frightening reality. Trying to cope after the senseless acts of that day resulted in many reactions: anger, fear, anxiety, sadness, grief, dismay and helplessness. These feelings are normal after any major crisis, whether it occurs on a personal or national level. Coping with a tragedy is not always easy. This is the focus of a new booklet, Take Charge: Handling a Crisis and Moving Forward, published by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine in Farmington Hills, MI. It helps people successfully live their lives since September 11th. Some suggestions include, • Talk to others about your fears. It’s okay to ask for help. Connect with family, friends or co-workers • Maintain your normal routines • Don’t fight the desire to cry. Tears can help relieve stress • Recognize those things you can control and those you can’t. Identify and use your own strengths and resources • Use measures that have helped you overcome fear and helplessness in the past • Practice for upcoming events that worry you. Imagine yourself feeling calm and in control during the event • Avoid too much media coverage of a tragic event • Know that this will not be an easy time and give yourself time to heal
• Don’t become the victim of a crisis. Instead, prepare to act in the event of one. Turn your fears into action. Be vigilant and look out for your own safety and the safety of others. Take Charge! Ten percent of the profits from the sale of Take Charge are being donated to the Todd M. Beamer Foundation. For more information, go to www.HealthyLife.com.
Nurse Activists Needed he AWHONN Health Policy and Legislative Affairs Department is recruiting AWHONN members to join the Legislative Action Center. By adding your name to the email list, you will receive regular updates and calls to action when your voice will have a tremendous impact on public policy at the federal level. You will also receive AWHONN’s quarterly policy e-publication, the Legislative News and Views. Through the Legislative Action Center, you can quickly surmise what pieces of legislation AWHONN is tracking and send predrafted, editable letters to members of Congress. Membership in the Legislative Action Center is strictly voluntary and confidential; your name will never be disclosed. To sign up, simply access the Legislative Action Center from the Health Policy section of the AWHONN Web site at www.awhonn.org.
T
Highlighting Nursing Careers he Department of Health and Human Services along with the Department of Education have joined together to encourage students to consider careers in nursing and other health. The “Kids into Health Careers” educational campaign offers a tool kit with information on more than 270 health careers, including nurse, emergency medical technician and sports therapist. The kit provides information on the level of education needed to pursue specific careers, salary outlook and resources on obtaining financial assistance. The “Kids into Health Careers” Web site also offers sample presentations for use by teachers, administrators and parents to share with children. For
T
Volume 6
Issue 3
A
Post-September 11 Resources
S
The growing number of participants in our nation's clinical trials last year is indicative of a trend in which consumers are becoming more receptive to considering investigational treatments as part of their medical options
260
AWHONN Lifelines
ince September 11, 2001, all Americans are dealing with a new and sometimes frightening reality. Trying to cope after the senseless acts of that day resulted in many reactions: anger, fear, anxiety, sadness, grief, dismay and helplessness. These feelings are normal after any major crisis, whether it occurs on a personal or national level. Coping with a tragedy is not always easy. This is the focus of a new booklet, Take Charge: Handling a Crisis and Moving Forward, published by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine in Farmington Hills, MI. It helps people successfully live their lives since September 11th. Some suggestions include, • Talk to others about your fears. It’s okay to ask for help. Connect with family, friends or co-workers • Maintain your normal routines • Don’t fight the desire to cry. Tears can help relieve stress • Recognize those things you can control and those you can’t. Identify and use your own strengths and resources • Use measures that have helped you overcome fear and helplessness in the past • Practice for upcoming events that worry you. Imagine yourself feeling calm and in control during the event • Avoid too much media coverage of a tragic event • Know that this will not be an easy time and give yourself time to heal
• Don’t become the victim of a crisis. Instead, prepare to act in the event of one. Turn your fears into action. Be vigilant and look out for your own safety and the safety of others. Take Charge! Ten percent of the profits from the sale of Take Charge are being donated to the Todd M. Beamer Foundation. For more information, go to www.HealthyLife.com.
Nurse Activists Needed he AWHONN Health Policy and Legislative Affairs Department is recruiting AWHONN members to join the Legislative Action Center. By adding your name to the email list, you will receive regular updates and calls to action when your voice will have a tremendous impact on public policy at the federal level. You will also receive AWHONN’s quarterly policy e-publication, the Legislative News and Views. Through the Legislative Action Center, you can quickly surmise what pieces of legislation AWHONN is tracking and send predrafted, editable letters to members of Congress. Membership in the Legislative Action Center is strictly voluntary and confidential; your name will never be disclosed. To sign up, simply access the Legislative Action Center from the Health Policy section of the AWHONN Web site at www.awhonn.org.
T
Highlighting Nursing Careers he Department of Health and Human Services along with the Department of Education have joined together to encourage students to consider careers in nursing and other health. The “Kids into Health Careers” educational campaign offers a tool kit with information on more than 270 health careers, including nurse, emergency medical technician and sports therapist. The kit provides information on the level of education needed to pursue specific careers, salary outlook and resources on obtaining financial assistance. The “Kids into Health Careers” Web site also offers sample presentations for use by teachers, administrators and parents to share with children. For
T
Volume 6
Issue 3