By: Katy Wendel, MHA, BSN, RN, CENP, ACRN
When hurricanes hit Florida, the spotlight is often on the devastation—damaged homes, flooded streets, and downed power lines. However, there is another story that rarely makes headlines yet plays out in hospitals and community health centers across the state: the extraordinary resilience of nurses. As the winds howl and rain pours, these healthcare professionals remain steadfast, ensuring that the most vulnerable among us continue to receive care, even as their own lives hang in uncertainty. In times of crisis, nurses often go above and beyond, ensuring that patients and clinics are ready for whatever may come. Whether preparing supplies, creating contingency plans, or staying extra hours to ensure everyone’s safety, their dedication is unmatched.
Take, for instance, the nurses at CAN Community Health, where they care for individuals living with HIV. During hurricanes like Milton, which recently struck Sarasota and the surrounding areas, these nurses do everything in their power to protect life-sustaining antiretroviral medications. Without these drugs, patients risk dangerous interruptions in treatment, which could compromise their health in the long term. These nurses work tirelessly to safeguard medication supplies, coordinating with pharmacies and insurance companies, even as roads close and power is lost. They ensure that their patients continue receiving the care they need—no matter the obstacles in their way.
This effort reflects the broader role nurses play during hurricanes. In hospitals, nurses face their own set of challenges when hurricanes approach. They often stay on-site for days, working through extended shifts to care for their patients. Many of them leave behind families and homes, not knowing if the storm will destroy everything they have built. Nevertheless, they remain on the front lines as healthcare providers and as lifelines for those who need them most. From planning ahead to being on the front lines when emergencies hit, our nurses play an indispensable role in keeping our community safe, healthy, and cared for. The extra steps they take—from securing medications to coordinating with local emergency teams—are a true testament to their compassion and commitment.
The toll on these nurses is immense. Research shows that prolonged disaster work leads to stress, fatigue, and emotional strain (Nix & Caldwell, 2018). However, nurses consistently rise to the challenge, driven by a solid duty to their patients and communities. Studies also show that having a sense of purpose and the support of colleagues helps them persevere (Gillespie, Chaboyer, & Wallis, 2007).
Florida’s nurses are, without question, some of the most resilient professionals in healthcare. From community health settings like CAN Community Health to large hospital systems, their ability to continue delivering care under extreme circumstances is a testament to their strength and commitment. It is time we recognized the role they play—not just as healthcare providers but as pillars of our community during Florida’s most challenging times.
The next time a hurricane looms, remember this: while the storm may be fierce, the spirit of Florida’s nurses is fiercer. They are quiet heroes who ensure that our healthcare system endures, no matter the storm. They deserve our admiration, gratitude, and unwavering support. By recognizing the extra effort they put in—from planning to recovery—we can better appreciate the critical part nurses play in keeping our healthcare systems strong and ready for whatever comes next.
Katy Wendel is a nursing executive with over 20 years of experience in HIV care, behavioral health, and emergency services. She leads innovative, nurse-led models at CAN Community Health and is dedicated to advancing nursing leadership, mentoring, and improving healthcare access for underserved populations.
Gillespie, B. M., Chaboyer, W., & Wallis, M. (2007). Development of a theoretically derived model of resilience through concept analysis. Contemporary Nurse, 25(1-2), 124-135.
Nix, M., & Caldwell, D. (2018). Natural disasters: A Louisiana gulf perspective of maintaining patient care. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 22(4), 460–463. https://doi.org/10.1188/18.CJON.460-463
SOURCE: Florida Nurses Association, [link]