Nurses, nursing students, and others are being invited to apply to volunteer for the American Red Cross disaster response as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Nurses and other health professional volunteers are needed to support individuals affected by disasters.

One of the Future of Nursing Report 2030 recommendations is “Preparing Nurses to Respond to Disaster and Public Health Emergencies.” This is an opportunity to receive Red Cross disaster training to provide support in community settings. Approximately nine hours of online/virtual training for Disaster Health Services Associate volunteers is required, and 5.25 nursing contact hours will be available this fall. Nurses do not work alone, and EMTs, Paramedics, MDs, DOs and PAs are also welcomed. Only licensed nurses have full scope of practice in the RN-led model.

If you are an RN, LPN, LVN, APRN, NP, EMT, Paramedic, MD/DO or PA with an active, unencumbered license, please consider volunteering. Services may include client assessment and provision of hands-on care per scope of license for RNs, LPNs and LVNs. Other DHS volunteers may provide care as delegated by a licensed nurse to assist with activities of daily living, coordinate personal assistance services, provide health education, and/or assist with replacement of medications, durable medical equipment or consumable medical supplies. Daily observation and health screening for COVID-19 like illness for all shelter clients may also be required. Registered Nurses supervise all clinical tasks in an RN-led model.

Apply to Volunteer: Search for “Disaster Health Services Volunteer” in the search bar to find positions. *Note: If you are local to the disaster, shifts will be available based on client needs. If you are willing to travel to support other communities, you must be available for a minimum of 10 days and transportation, lodging and meals will be provided through the generosity of donors.