Global Relief Efforts in Natural Disasters

Approved:                  January 2010

Approved by:             National Assembly

Whereas CNSA believes in fostering the growth of competent and concerned nurses and in doing so, encourages learning opportunities that allow students to develop values such as advocacy, empathy, leadership skills, and active participation which are fundamental characteristics for the nursing profession and these values reflect and support the nursing profession’s commitment to global relief efforts,

Whereas CNSA advocates for nursing student leadership development and encourages nurses and nursing students to develop leadership skills and promote leaders in nursing,

Whereas CNSA, as a member of CNA, values interprofessional collaboration to facilitate the development and maintenance of relationships among professionals and believes that professional relationships that support emergency response must be developed and nurtured before emergencies occur,

Whereas CNSA as a member of ICN, recognizes the importance of government and relief organizations in establishing support for relief workers and direct disaster victims,

Whereas the principles of social justice and equal availability of essential health and social services guides CNSA activities, therefore by supporting nurses and nursing student being involved in supporting global relief efforts,

Whereas CNSA is the official voice for nursing students, provides a medium through which members can express opinions on nursing issues, and has the responsibility to educate and advocate all levels of government, health care professionals and the public about issues relevant to the nursing profession,

Be it resolved that CNSA endorse, support and become involved in global relief efforts and acknowledge the impact of natural disasters on both national and international levels.

Be it further resolved that CNSA promote and support strategies that prevent the spread of disease through education about diseases and social behaviours associated with disasters that may be exacerbated by deteriorated living conditions.

Be it further resolved that CNSA advocate for global equality and availability of essential resources such clean and safe water to all people by developing global partnerships to gain insight and knowledge, as well as aid in relief efforts. These partnerships should include networks with other nursing student associations, professional disciplines, governmental and nongovernmental agencies at local, regional, national, and international levels.

Submitted by:

Jessica Drover

Krista Howell

Megan Hudson

Jessica Hunt

Katelyn Hynes 

References

Canadian Nurses Association [CNA]. (2009). Global health and equity. Available from http://www.cna-nurses.ca/CNA/issues/position/leadership/default_e.aspx

Canadian Nurses Association [CNA]. (2007). Emergency preparedness and response. Available from http://www.cnanurses.ca/CNA/documents/pdf/publications/PS91_Emergency_e.pdf

Canadian Nursing Students Association [CNSA]. (2006). Global health. Available from http://cnsa.ca/english/aboutus/policies-and-position-statements/position-statements/global-health

Canadian Nursing Students Association [CNSA]. (2009). Objectives of the CNSA.  Available from http://www.cnsa.ca/english/aboutus/objects

International Council of Nurses [ICN]. (2006). Nurses and disaster preparedness. Available from http://www.icn.ch/PS_A11_NursesDisaster-Prep.pdf 

International Council of Nurses [ICN]. (2008). Universal access to clean water. Available from http://www.icn.ch/PS_E15_UniversalAccessCleanWater.pdf 

United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction [ISDR]. (2006) Disaster statistics; Disaster occurrence. Available from http://www.unisdr.org/disaster-statistics/occurrence-trends-century.htm