Nurses on the Front Lines of Natural Disasters: Coping With the Mental Toll

By Laura Brummett for Nurse.com

When natural disasters like recent back-to-back Hurricanes Helene and Milton occur, healthcare professionals brace for the inevitable surge in demand for care. 

Nurses are often first responders to the chaos and destruction that such storms bring. These front-line workers play a crucial role in disaster response, but that responsibility comes with significant emotional and psychological stress. 

In the face of overwhelming demands, nurses are not only caring for patients but also dealing with their personal fears and uncertainties. How do nurses manage the intense pressure of providing care amid such disasters? Learning strategies to cope with the stressors is essential for maintaining mental well-being during and after these crises. 

Understanding the emotional impact of disaster nursing 

Natural disasters wreak havoc not just on infrastructure but on emotional well-being. Nurses are called to work in challenging conditions — whether it’s during hurricanes, floods, or fires — while often facing the same dangers that their patients do.  

For instance, after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, nurses like Kathi Harvey, a certified National Healthcare Disaster Professional, had to endure weeks without basic supplies like food and water. These austere conditions required nurses to be both mentally and physically resilient, often working under extreme pressure with very little relief. 

During a disaster like Hurricane Helene, nurses may experience prolonged exposure to traumatic events, including patient deaths, extreme injuries, and the chaos of evacuation efforts. According to the National Center for PTSD, healthcare workers exposed to disaster scenarios are at higher risk for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. 

The nature of disaster response — extended shifts, lack of rest, and emotional strain — can contribute to burnout, making it essential for nurses to prioritize their mental health. The first step is acknowledging the toll that disaster nursing can take and proactively seeking ways to cope. 

Three ways nurses can cope with stress during disasters 

1. Stay connected to a support network 

One of the best ways for nurses to cope with stress during natural disasters is to remain connected with a support system. Whether through family, friends, or colleagues, maintaining open lines of communication provides emotional relief. For those working in the field, staying connected with a professional network, like the Medical Reserve Corps or their hospital’s emergency operations team, can provide both logistical and emotional support. 

After Hurricane Michael, nurses shared stories of leaning on one another during prolonged outages and uncertain conditions. Having a support system in place before, during, and after a disaster can help nurses feel less isolated and more empowered to continue providing care. 

2. Utilize mental health resources 

In the high-stress environment of a natural disaster, it’s easy for nurses to neglect their mental health needs. However, recognizing early signs of stress — such as difficulty sleeping, feeling emotionally numb, or becoming easily irritated — is crucial. Many hospitals and healthcare facilities offer mental health support for disaster responders, including counseling services and peer support groups. 

Nurses who find themselves overwhelmed can benefit from telehealth mental health services, which have grown in availability. These services can offer a lifeline, allowing nurses to talk through their experiences with a professional who understands the unique demands of disaster nursing. 

3. Focus on personal resilience 

Building personal resilience is key to managing stress during and after a natural disaster. While preparation is critical in disaster nursing, personal preparation is equally important. This involves learning how to manage both mental and physical stress. Practices such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, and even simple physical activity can mitigate the long-term effects of stress. Nurses are encouraged to develop these habits before a disaster strikes, ensuring they can rely on these practices when the going gets tough. 

Harvey’s experiences in Puerto Rico exemplify how crucial personal resilience can be. Facing the harshest conditions, she emphasized how vital it is to stay mentally sharp while juggling the needs of patients. Simple steps, like taking a moment to reset mentally or checking in with peers, can go a long way in maintaining clarity and focus under pressure. 

The importance of disaster nursing preparedness 

Disaster nursing involves much more than simply reacting to emergencies. Preparedness is key. Nurses who are trained and ready to respond know how to care for patients, navigate difficult working conditions, and avoid interfering or becoming part of the problem. Federal and local agencies, such as the Disaster Medical Assistance Team and local hospital command centers, coordinate disaster responses long before storms like Hurricane Milton even make landfall. 

Understanding the logistics of disaster response, from evacuating patients to setting up mobile hospitals, helps nurses provide more effective care. But it also allows them to work in safer, more controlled environments. Hospitals now ensure that disaster response teams have adequate supplies, backup power for at least seven days, and systems in place to support their staff. 

Prepared nurses not only provide crucial care during crises but also advocate for vulnerable patients who may need specialized attention. These efforts go beyond physical care, as nurses must consider the emotional and psychological trauma their patients are facing in disaster-stricken areas. 

Natural disasters are unpredictable, and their aftermath can create immense challenges for nurses. As the effects of Hurricanes Helene and Milton are still disrupting communities, nurses are once again at the front line of care.  

While these events test the limits of their physical and emotional endurance, there are strategies nurses can employ to maintain their mental well-being. Staying connected, using mental health resources, and building personal resilience are vital to surviving — and thriving — amid the storm’s chaos.

Nurse.com Editor’s Note: Portions of this article were curated from other Nurse.com pieces written by Zelda Meeker and Lisette Hilton.