The nurse plays a significant role in the event of a disaster. Whether this be a storm or a pandemic, as health care workers we play an important role in maintaining the health and safety of our patients and community.  First off, if the nurse is on call or currently at work then it is a priority for them to keep their patient’s safe as well as themselves. They can do this by following disaster protocols set in place by the hospital in which most hospitals have disaster plans set in place if something like a hurricane, tornado, or any other disaster were to occur. The nurse should encourage others to follow this protocol as well so that everyone is prepared for whatever might happen. 

            Though it is a priority for the nurse to ensure the safety of their patients in the event of a disaster, it is also important to keep oneself safe as well. However, this can create a conflict in which if a nurse must make a choice over whether protecting the patient or themself, the lines can become slightly blurred. My thoughts on this conflict are that it simply depends on the nurse and the situation. If the nurse is in a situation where protecting the patient will pose a further threat to themself then that nurse may choose to take the easier route in which they protect themself. However, another nurse might decide to run back and save their patient though it may be a significant threat to their own safety. Ultimately it depends on the nurse as a person and the situation in which I believe there is no right or wrong choice in a disaster scenario.