Bravery in the Storm: A Nurse's Perspective from the Frontline of Hurricane Milton

Disclaimer: For privacy reasons, names and identifying details of interviewees have been changed. 

When disaster strikes, nurses are among the first to step up and assist those in need. We had the privilege of sitting down with 2 dedicated nurses who worked tirelessly on the frontlines during Hurricane Milton. We met with Natalie, a charge nurse, and Sarah, a floor nurse, in the neonatal intensive care unit of a Florida hospital.

Natalie and Sarah gave eye-opening insight into their experiences as they navigated the challenges of being at the heart of the hospital during a catastrophic storm. Our guests provided a better understanding of the staffing conditions and challenges they faced during the storm. We also uncovered the tools that would have made their jobs easier during this demanding time.  

Balancing staffing and patient care

As a charge nurse, Natalie not only managed patient care but also ensured that the unit was adequately staffed. Meanwhile, Sarah focused on tending to the patients, making sure their care remained uncompromised. Nurses in this Florida hospital are accustomed to working with limited staff; it’s common for them to take on more patients than recommended by safe staffing ratios. Reflecting on her experience, Sarah shared:

"Shortages happen in the NICU on a daily basis, but I don’t believe the day of the storm we were any more short-staffed than usual.”

Preparing for the storm to arrive

Despite the nursing shortage, the staff at this Florida hospital made the best of the situation as Hurricane Milton approached. To ensure adequate staffing during the storm, the hospital implemented a strategic plan organized into 'Hurricane Teams,' labeled as 'Team A' and 'Team B.' Team A was assigned to report to the hospital and remain onsite for the duration of the hurricane, while Team B stood on standby, ready to step in once the all-clear was given.

Rising to the challenge

Both Natalie and Sarah were dedicated members of Team A, working tirelessly on the hospital floor throughout the entirety of Hurricane Milton. They faced the challenge of staying at the hospital for two consecutive nights without the ability for Team B to provide relief until the storm had passed. This meant long hours and an intense workload as they cared for patients during a critical time.

Natalie’s shift began like most of her others, starting with a check on the pending deliveries due on the labor and delivery floor. She relied on her hospital's messaging platform to stay informed about ongoing storm developments. As she checked on all the staff nurses to ensure their assignments were manageable, she assisted with IVs and completed touch times for the babies. Natalie also focused on stocking the nurse servers with the essential equipment needed for daily care. Unfortunately, supply trucks encountered difficulties reaching the hospital, leaving them short on supplies. Nevertheless, Natalie and Sarah quickly adapted, making the most of the resources available to them. 

The two nurses exemplified the resilience and quick thinking that define nursing not only during a crisis but also on an ordinary day on the floor. Between balancing patient care and working with a shortage of supplies, Natalie and Sarah demonstrated resourcefulness and determination. While Natalie and Sarah saw the hurricane coming, emergencies can occur at any time. 

Is your hospital prepared for unexpected emergencies?

In an era where natural disasters, pandemics, and unforeseen crises have become an inescapable part of our reality, the question looms larger than ever: Is your team prepared to tackle unexpected events? Nursing leaders must evaluate their current preparedness levels and instill a proactive mindset towards emergency responses.

Below are 4 strategies nurses can use to prepare for emergencies and ensure adequate staffing:

• Develop and practice emergency protocols

Create clear, comprehensive emergency protocols tailored to specific scenarios. Regularly conduct drills to ensure that all staff members are familiar with their roles and responsibilities during an emergency situation.

• Establish a staffing plan

Create a flexible staffing plan that includes a pool of on-call or part-time nurses who can step in during emergencies. This plan should include a system for quickly contacting staff and assessing their availability based on the situation.

• Foster a supportive work environment 

Encourage a culture of teamwork and support among nursing staff. This can include peer check-ins, mentorship programs, and wellness initiatives. By building strong relationships, nurses may be more willing to assist each other during emergencies and adapt to staffing challenges.

• Utilize technology to fill shifts 

Automated staffing solutions can guarantee that a qualified nurse is available to fill critical vacant shifts. By leveraging intelligent staffing solutions, such as Andgo, hospitals can more effectively staff floors, especially in emergency situations. 

When a nurse calls in at the last minute and cannot fill that shift, it often means that another nurse must take on additional patients. This increased workload can lead to feelings of overwhelm and, eventually, burnout. Ensuring that hospital floors are fully staffed is one of the first steps hospitals can take to equip their nurses with the right resources to perform their duties effectively. 

Andgo relies on automation software to streamline staffing needs, enhancing communication for unplanned and immediate vacancies. By ensuring that the right person is scheduled for the right shift at the right time, Andgo helps eliminate the idea of staffing shortages as a norm. Whether it’s during a hurricane or on a typical day, nurses can rely on having the appropriate staffing levels in place, enabling them to provide optimal care and improve patient outcomes.