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Western North Carolina is facing a long recovery process in the wake of catastrophic flooding, landslides, and wind damage from Helene.
This page is designed to be a resource for both nurses who have both been impacted by the storm and nurses who want to help with recovery efforts; NCNA plans to update it as appropriate, so please check back regularly.
NCNA and the North Carolina Foundation for Nursing (NCFN) have revived the NCFN - Nurse Recovery Fund, which will distribute funds directly to nurses in the western part of the state who are suffering loss or damages.
All money collected by NCFN for this fund will be given directly to the nurses in need. NCNA is donating all of the staff time required to administer funds.
Many nurses, understandably, want to use their unique skill sets to help with recovery efforts. Please do NOT self-deploy without going through an established organization. NCNA is already coordinating with state officials and other stakeholders to help funnel volunteers through appropriate channels. If any other opportunities open up, we will let you know. For now, we suggest the following options:
“Disaster Recovery and Resiliency through the Lens of Trauma-informed Care” (1.25 CH)
(Free for NCNA members)
On October 3, the North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON) implemented waivers in the wake of Gov. Cooper’s emergency declaration for parts of North Carolina. The waivers grant temporary reinstatement of inactive and retired RNs & LPNs, temporary reinstatement of expired licenses, and temporary licensure by endorsement through December 31, 2024. Click here to read more.
On October 7, the NCBON issued an emergency waiver giving RNs and LPSs authorization to administer Epinephrine Auto-Injectors. Click here, here, and here to read more.
On October 18, the NCBON issued emergency waivers allowing Nurse Practitioners to practice without physician supervision in North Carolina counties with disaster declarations through December 31, 2024. Several other flexibilities related to prescribing, inactive licensure, and collaborative practice agreements were also approved through the end of the year. Click here and here to read more.
On October 18, the NCBON issued emergency waivers allowing Certified Nurse Midwives currently working with approval to practice with a collaborating provider to seek an emergency waiver to practice without supervision through December 31, 2024. Go here and here to read more.
Nurses living and working in the western part of the state may have concerns about licensure issues and employment conditions. The North Carolina Board of Nursing is the appropriate organization to field those questions, and it has already begun publicizing some of its resources. Click here for more information. NCNA is working with the Board of Nursing to submit a request to Gov. Cooper for additional flexibility.
Dear colleagues and friends,
Echoing the message from our Chief Executive Officer Tina Gordon, the NCNA Psych Council would like to extend our deep hope that you, your families, and fellow colleagues are safe and healthy as we manage the aftermath of catastrophic effects of Hurricane Helene.
As the full impact of this disaster unfolds, mental health challenges from this catastrophic event will also become a significant element of recovery. Therefore, we would like to provide a list of resources and support below to assist at this time. It is well known that there is an increased risk of developing a mental illness following a disaster, significant injury, or loss. Additional risk factors include being separated from loved ones or having to leave your home.
There is growing research identifying how people living with serious mental illness may be more likely to develop stress related disorders following extremely stressful life events, than people without serious mental illness. At times of disaster often people experience emotional distress, including feelings of being overwhelmed with anxiety, worry, difficulty with sleeping, and alterations in mood including depression.
One of the most challenging aspects of this disaster has been limited ability for those who care to help due to the limited communication and physical access to people. However, committees are coming together to support one another and offer support. Collaborative actions may include check-ins and especially when a person may have challenges reaching out, offering emotional support and a space for others to share, connecting to necessary mental health services and resources, starting communication networks to provide updates and foster solidarity. Finally, doing what nurses often do best by offering support with a sense of connectivity and belonging.
Please take care everyone and know we are thinking about you.
Angie Trombley, RN, APRN, DNP, APMHNP, PMHNP-BC
Chair, NCNA Council of Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurses
Click here for coping tips for traumatic events and disasters from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) North Carolina helplines:
Looking for resources and a kind voice? Volunteers are available Monday through Friday from 8:30-5:00 at 800-451-9682.
SAMHSA’s national Disaster Distress Helpline:
This helpline is available 24/7, 365-day-a-year for immediate crisis counseling.
Help Kids Cope: mobile app with scripts and ideas to support children before, during, and after natural disasters.