On the front lines of disaster recovery: Nurse practitioners fill the health care void

Hurricane Michael made landfall in Florida's northwest Gulf Coast on October 10, 2018, causing massive destruction. It was the first Category 5 storm in recorded history to make landfall in the northeast Gulf Coast and the third most destructive hurricane to hit the continental United States. The health care infrastructure collapsed due to the severe damage to two main acute care hospitals, several heath care facilities, and clinics, resulting in large staff layoffs with many physicians relocating out of the area due to lack or support. With many schools and business destroyed, nearly 3,000 children left the school system along with their families. Ultimately, there were not enough living spaces for first responders and recovery crews, so posthurricane recovery efforts were gravely affected. Here are the stories of four nurse practitioners (NPs) who stepped up and recreated themselves to provide needed health care to several communities ravaged by Hurricane Michael. NPs, as skilled and trusted health care providers, are well-prepared to address the pressing life-threatening needs often associated with disasters such as hurricanes, thus ultimately making a difference in health outcomes in affected communities. It is a testimony for NPs across the state of Florida to be able to practice to their full extent of their education and preparation.