The world is getting more complex everyday and the healthcare system globally, remains dynamic and forever changing. Nurses, are the backbone of the healthcare system, so all the global health threats we are now facing, all nurses must educate themselves about, irrespective of their specialty. Some of these include: natural/man-­made disasters, infectious disease outbreaks, increased crime and violence, and influx of refugees from countries with wars and conflicts. All nurses are therefore public health nurses, no matter where they work and many courses are available online or in your community to help you become equipped and educated.

The American Red Cross (www.redcross.org) and Federal Emergency Management Association (www.ready.gov or www.fema.gov), has great in person and online courses, the Center’s for Disease and Control (CDC­ www.cdc.gov) , the World Health Organization and many others. Research for that’s applicable to where you work or the ends of your community. So we ask again, are we truly ready for what lies ahead? These are just some resources to get you started, and remember to include your families, co­workers, neighbors and community groups to learn as well, as it will take a community for effective disaster preparedness.

One important first step, take care of yourself, your mental, spiritual and physical health, so you can be more effective to take care of others. Learning deep breathing exercises, will help you cope in times of any crises, big or small, and if you become overwhelmed, feel free to get professional counseling or join a support group. Make sure you also sleep well, and stay away from illicit drugs, alcohol and smoking (www.tobaccofreenurses.org), to manage stress, chose healthier lifestyles like journaling, reading, writing, exercising, listening to music and arts/crafts. Watch the news and learn about current threats locally, nationally and globally.

It is my hope that we all see how important our role will be in these troubled times, and the need to support each other, especially via networks like the TodaysNurse. Unity is strength and learning from each other’s knowledge and experience, will keep nursing as a profession alive globally.

Autobiography – Stephanie Grey RN/FCN

My name is Stephanie Grey and I have been a nurse for over twenty five years. I started my career in Jamaica, West Indies, where I got my Diploma in 1986, and then came to New York and worked in a hospital for six years before moving to North Carolina. I received my Master’s in Nursing in 2008 and Public Health Leadership Certificate in 2009 in North Carolina. I also worked three years in Florida from 2000 to 2003 doing home health nursing. My experience covers pediatrics, community health, home health, clinics, hospitals, public health and writing books/articles/newsletters.  This is one of the many small books I wrote for distribution in community for public health and safety, with many resources as well. I am also a Faith Community Nurse (FCN), working between community and faith­based organizations and a personal trainer. I have one son, who is independent and teaches youth.

I love gardening, reading, writing, volunteering, cooking, watching movies, listening to music and exercising. I hope to start a wellness clinic in the future in an area with health disparities, like rural communities and also have moved into advocacy and research for the mentally ill. I am a member of the American Psychiatric Nursing Association, where I will do research on mental health and help with better policies to reduce stigma and get clients connected to resources they need. I direct Be Healthy Ministries, Inc., a non­profit promoting health and safety locally, nationally and globally as well, using social media as a great tool. I have volunteered with the Red Cross, American Heart Association, Public Health and Recycling Advocacy Groups and also at Faith­Based Organizations (health ministry and health fairs).