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The Journal of School Nursing
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Research Articles

The Impact of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on Louisiana School Nurses

Lisa Broussard, RN, DNS

Lisa Broussard, RN, DNS, is an assistant professor at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA

Rachel Myers, RN, MSN

Rachel Myers, RN, MSN, is an instructor at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette College of Nursing and Allied Health Professions, Lafayette, LA

Julie Meaux, RN, PhD

Julie Meaux, RN, PhD, is an associate professor at the University of Central Arkansas, Conway, AR

In the fall of 2005, the coast of Louisiana was devastated by two hurricanes, Katrina and Rita. Not only did these natural disasters have detrimental effects for those directly in their path, the storms had an impact on the lives of everyone in Louisiana. The professional practice of many Louisiana school nurses was affected by several factors, including a sudden influx of students with no medical records. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted to gain an understanding of school nurses’ feelings and experiences related to the hurricanes and their aftermath. Forty-one school nurses participated in the study, and findings revealed significant effects on their personal and professional lives. Themes within each area were identified: uncertainty, hopelessness and helplessness, thankfulness, practice challenges, and practice rewards. Implications for school nursing practice include the need for support during natural disasters and the importance of school nurse involvement in disaster preparedness.

Key Words: hurricanes • natural disasters • school nursing

The Journal of School Nursing, Vol. 24, No. 2, 78-82 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/10598405080240020501
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