Final answer:
After a major wildfire, a Public Health Nurse should assess community needs, collaborate with local services, educate about immediate health concerns, address mental health issues, and contribute to long-term disaster recovery and disease prevention.
Step-by-step explanation:
A Public Health Nurse (PHN) working with a community after a major wildfire should proceed with various health-related and community assistance tasks. Initially, the PHN would conduct a community assessment to determine the immediate health concerns, environmental hazards, and the mental health needs of the affected population. This involves identifying those at risk, such as the elderly, children, and individuals with chronic health conditions.
The PHN would then collaborate with local authorities and organizations to facilitate access to healthcare services and help in establishing temporary shelters or aid stations. Providing health education on smoke inhalation, burns, and respiratory issues is essential. The nurse should also address mental health by organizing support groups or connecting individuals with counseling services.
In the longer term, the PHN will engage in disaster recovery planning and implementation, ensuring immunizations are up to date, preventing disease outbreaks, and promoting overall community resilience. The PHN's role is critical in the recovery phase to help the community return to normalcy while promoting health and preventing further complications arising from the disaster.