In the instance of a disaster, the nurse plays many roles. As a future nurse, it is my responsibility to achieve the safest possible outcome for myself and my patients in a disaster situation. A large part of accomplishing this difficult task is preparedness. I must know the disaster plan for the facility I work at, and understand my role. This can be done by reviewing the facilities protocol, training and drills. If disaster does strike, depending on the facility, the nurse must lower all hospital beds of non-ambulatory patients, move ambulatory patients to a safer place, close the blinds and shut all doors. The nurse must also take care to protect themselves in the process. 

Ethics also plays a part when it comes to nursing during a natural disaster. The compassionate nature of a future nurse may compel me to give priority to my patients safety in the event of a disaster. However, it is imperative that I stay safe as well, or my patients will not be able to receive my help. Provisions 2 and 5 of the ANA Code of Ethics are both important, however it is often difficult to achieve both. Safety is hard to guarantee during a disaster, but it is the reality that the nurse can only provide safety and comfort if he or she is not injured while caring for patients. The nurse must use his or her best judgment in making decisions during emergencies such as this.