Nurses are the main health professionals in touch with the community.  They have exceptional knowledge of the most vulnerable populations, and this information can be immediately used in a disaster. Nursing recognizes the physical and the psychosocial impact of disasters on well being of individuals, families and community. Nurses deal not only with the physical stresses of a disaster, but potentially more importantly the fear, dangers, stress and uncertainties of disasters.

Nurses in disasters provide support and help the public in regain confidence in rebuilding their lives and living through hard times. Understanding and finding a meaning to suffering helps in healing and in reducing impact on physical health.