RNs travel to Philippines for Typhoon Haiyan relief effort

Nurses respond to crises every day, so it’s no surprise that when a crisis comes on a large scale, they’re often the first in line to help. This is assuredly the case in the aftermath of the tragic Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Even today, a week after the storm, many nurses are departing from the San Francisco Bay area to provide assistance in the aftermath.

The Registered Nurse Response Network (RNRN), part of National Nurses United, reports that over 500 registered nurses from across the U.S. have volunteered to go to the Philippines to aid in the relief effort since the typhoon hit on Nov. 8. And this is just one group of many offering assistance to the recovery process that will be ongoing for some time.

Speaking to a Los Angeles NBC affiliate, registered nurse Sussette Nacorda explained why she decided to volunteer to travel to the battered country.

“It’s just in our nature,” Nacorda said. “We’re very compassionate. We like to take care of people. We’re familiar with doing this on a different level.”

While certainly not everyone will be able to travel to the area, there are a variety of other ways to provide help. The RNRN provides avenues to contribute monetary support and spread the word of the relief effort, and there are many other organizations across the country with diverse opportunities available.

Nurses, have you ever volunteered as part of a crisis relief effort? Would you? Share your stories in the comments below.