The Role of the Medical Reserve Corps in Nursing Education

Abstract

Graduates of baccalaureate nursing programs are expected to demonstrate basic competency in responding to emergencies, including those related to emergency preparedness and disaster response. Faculty find it challenging to provide learning experiences that enable students to use appropriate assessment, clinical judgment, and decision making skills during disaster, mass casualty, and other emergency situations. This article describes a partnership between a school of nursing and a university health service to form a Medical Reserve Corps. The partnership resulted in unique and diverse learning experiences for nursing students in collaboration with volunteers from other professional disciplines and laypeople. The Medical Reserve Corps provides opportunities for students to experience emergency preparedness and disaster responses firsthand and to develop competencies required for generalist nursing practice.