Mission Magazine - Passionate Preparations

Passionate Preparations

November 2005

Standing room was scarce in the School of Nursing auditorium, where hundreds of faculty, staff, students and community members gathered for an American Red Cross orientation training program.

The training was mandatory for those who volunteered to assist hurricane survivors in shelters established by the American Red Cross.

"We decided to hold this course when American Red Cross representatives said they were in dire need of more trained individuals," said Brenda Jackson, Ph.D., R.N., associate dean for the undergraduate program in the School of Nursing. "Community health training is a standard part of our nursing program. It enables us to work in a variety of situations. We were glad that our leadership training skills were helpful, especially during this desperate time of need."

Those who completed the training course were placed on the volunteer list to be called upon when assistance was needed. Susan Grinslade, R.N., M.S.N., assistant professor of chronic nursing care, and Norma Martinez-Rogers, Ph.D., R.N., clinical associate professor of family nursing care, served as contact persons while dedicating countless hours to organizing and running the shelters.

"As long as we can provide our leadership training and skills, we will continue to do so," Dr. Jackson said.