Preparing for disasters: Enhancing the role of pediatric nurses in wartime

During the tragic terrorist attacks that occurred against the United States on September 11, 2001, nurses were on the front lines making a difference for patients, families, and children. As noted in the American Nurse, the official publication of the American Nurses Association, "September 11, 2001, is no longer just a day gone by. It now takes the place alongside other infamous dates like December 7, 1941, the attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan" (Trossman, 2001, p. 1). This article will focus on resources available for pediatric nurses to use when working with children and families who are either preparing for or responding to disasters.