🛟 Drowning Prevention: Essential Safety Tips for Parents

Drowning can happen quickly and silently, and it’s one of the leading causes of accidental death in young children-especially those ages 1–4. As parents and caregivers, being proactive about water safety can make all the difference. Whether…

📖 Now Available on Kindle-A Journey Through Compassionate Care Across the Globe

I’m thrilled to share some exciting news-my latest book is now available on Kindle! 🎉 This collection brings together real-world accounts of caring for individuals in their most vulnerable moments, across diverse…

Preparedness is Built Between Disasters Preparedness is quiet work. It happens when there is no emergency headline, no urgency, and no external pressure. Between disasters, preparedness looks like training, relationship-building, policy development, and reflection. These moments determine how systems perform when crisis returns. Preparedness is not reactive. It is deliberate. The time to prepare is always before the next emergency. #adventureswithnursejamla

Preparedness is Built Between Disasters

Preparedness is quiet work. It happens when there is no emergency headline, no urgency, and no external pressure. Between disasters, preparedness looks like training, relationship-building, policy development, and reflection. These moments determine how…

What “Resilient Health Systems” Actually Look Like Resilient health systems are not defined by their ability to respond once, but by their capacity to absorb shock, adapt, and continue functioning over time. Resilience includes: Protected and supported workforces Flexible care models Integrated public health and healthcare systems Continuous learning and improvement Resilience is built between disasters, not during them. Preparedness is the foundation of resilience, not its outcome. #adventureswithnursejamla

What “Resilient Health Systems” Actually Look Like

Resilient health systems are not defined by their ability to respond once, but by their capacity to absorb shock, adapt, and continue functioning over time. Resilience includes: Protected and supported workforces Flexible care models Integrated…

Technology Will Not Save us Without Prepared People Technology plays a vital role in modern preparedness, but it is not a substitute for trained, adaptable humans. When systems fail, power goes out, or networks are disrupted, people remain the most critical resource. Preparedness planning must account for low-tech and no-tech scenarios. Training, redundancy, and human judgment are essential during crises. Technology should support preparedness, not replace it. Prepared people make systems resilient. #adventureswithnursejamla

Technology Will Not Save us Without Prepared People

Technology plays a vital role in modern preparedness, but it is not a substitute for trained, adaptable humans. When systems fail, power goes out, or networks are disrupted, people remain the most critical resource. Preparedness planning must…

Misinformation is a Disaster Risk Amplifier Misinformation spreads faster than most pathogens. During emergencies, false or misleading information undermines trust, delays care, and fuels fear. Preparedness must include risk communication strategies that address misinformation proactively. This includes transparent messaging, trusted messengers, and digital literacy efforts. Public health emergencies are not only biological or environmental events, but they are also information events. Systems unprepared to manage misinformation face amplified harm. Preparedness requires truth, clarity, and trust. #adventureswithnursejamla

Misinformation is a Disaster Risk Amplifier

Misinformation spreads faster than most pathogens. During emergencies, false or misleading information undermines trust, delays care, and fuels fear. Preparedness must include risk communication strategies that address misinformation proactively. This…

CBRNE Events: Why Preparedness Cannot Be Optional Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) events are low-frequency but high-impact emergencies. Their rarity often leads to complacency, until preparedness gaps become catastrophic. CBRNE preparedness requires specialized training, interagency coordination, and clear communication protocols. Healthcare systems must be prepared to protect staff, manage contamination, and provide care under extreme conditions. Preparedness is not alarmism. It is risk-informed responsibility. Ignoring CBRNE readiness does not eliminate the threat, it increases harm when events occur. Preparedness is protection. #adventureswithnursejamla

CBRNE Events: Why Preparedness Cannot Be Optional

Chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) events are low-frequency but high-impact emergencies. Their rarity often leads to complacency, until preparedness gaps become catastrophic. CBRNE preparedness requires specialized…

Climate Change is a Preparedness Failure, not a Future Problem Climate-related health impacts are not theoretical. Extreme heat, wildfires, flooding, drought, and vector-borne disease expansion are already affecting health systems and communities. Preparedness failures appear when infrastructure is overwhelmed, populations are displaced, and health services are disrupted repeatedly. Climate change magnifies existing vulnerabilities and exposes gaps in emergency planning, housing policy, and health equity. Preparedness must include climate adaptation strategies, heat mitigation, resilient infrastructure, and community education. Treating climate change as a future concern delays necessary action. Preparedness for climate impacts is preparedness for today. #adventureswithnursejamla

Climate Change is a Preparedness Failure, not a Future Problem

Climate-related health impacts are not theoretical. Extreme heat, wildfires, flooding, drought, and vector-borne disease expansion are already affecting health systems and communities. Preparedness failures appear when infrastructure…

Emerging Public Health Threats, we are Still Not Ready For Public health preparedness is often shaped by the last crisis rather than the next one. While lessons from recent emergencies matter, preparedness that only looks backward leaves systems vulnerable to emerging threats already on the horizon. These include climate-driven disasters, antimicrobial resistance, cyber disruptions to health infrastructure, industrial accidents, and complex humanitarian emergencies. Many of these threats are interconnected, cross-border, and prolonged, challenging traditional response models.

Emerging Public Health Threats, we are Still Not Ready For

Public health preparedness is often shaped by the last crisis rather than the next one. While lessons from recent emergencies matter, preparedness that only looks backward leaves systems vulnerable to emerging threats already on the…

What is in a Name?

My name was given to me by my paternal grandmother. It is her namesake. It has been in our family for generations. My name is more than what you call me. It carries the history, the struggles and the stories, of all those who had the name before me.

Preparedness Without Justice is Incomplete Preparedness is often framed as technical competence, but it is also a moral commitment. Who we prioritize, who we protect, and whose voices we elevate reveal the values underlying preparedness efforts. Preparedness without justice reinforces existing inequities. Preparedness with justice seeks to reduce harm, restore dignity, and protect those most at risk. As this week closes, preparedness should be understood not only as readiness for disaster, but as readiness to care for one another fairly, deliberately, and compassionately. Preparedness is not just about surviving emergencies.It is about how we choose to show up before they arrive. #adventureswithnursejamla

Preparedness Without Justice is Incomplete

Preparedness is often framed as technical competence, but it is also a moral commitment. Who we prioritize, who we protect, and whose voices we elevate reveal the values underlying preparedness efforts. Preparedness without justice reinforces existing…

The Role of Faith-Based and Grassroots Organizations in Public Health Readiness Faith-based and grassroots organizations are often the first trusted points of contact during emergencies, especially in communities with historical mistrust of government or healthcare institutions. These organizations: Disseminate trusted information Provide shelter, food, and emotional support Reach populations missed by formal systems Sustain recovery long after headlines fade Preparedness efforts that exclude community organizations miss critical infrastructure already in place. Public health readiness is strongest when formal systems partner with grassroots leaders rather than operating around them. #adventureswithnursejamla

The Role of Faith-Based and Grassroots Organizations in Public Health Readiness

Faith-based and grassroots organizations are often the first trusted points of contact during emergencies, especially in communities with historical mistrust of government or healthcare institutions. These…

New! CE Courses for Disaster & Emergency Nurses I’m excited to announce that Adventures with Nurse Jamla is now offering California BRN–approved Continuing Education for nurses! Courses are self-paced and tailored for clinicians working in: Emergency & Trauma Disaster & Humanitarian Response Prehospital & Austere Care Course catalog now live: Please share with your networks, I appreciate the support, and if you have a topic you want to learn more about, add it to the wish list on the website! #adventureswithnursejamla

New! CE Courses for Disaster & Emergency Nurses

I’m excited to announce that Adventures with Nurse Jamla is now offering California BRN–approved Continuing Education for nurses! Courses are self-paced and tailored for clinicians working in: Emergency & Trauma Disaster & Humanitarian Response…

Preparedness in Conflict-Affected and Displaced Populations For displaced populations and communities affected by conflict, preparedness looks very different. When instability is ongoing, emergencies overlap and recovery is incomplete. Displaced populations often face: Insecure housing Interrupted healthcare access Language and legal barriers Chronic trauma and stress Preparedness in these settings requires flexibility, cultural competence, and trauma-informed approaches. Traditional preparedness models built for stable systems often fail in humanitarian and conflict-affected contexts. Preparedness must adapt to reality, not ideal conditions. #adventureswithnursejamla

Preparedness in Conflict-Affected and Displaced Populations

For displaced populations and communities affected by conflict, preparedness looks very different. When instability is ongoing, emergencies overlap and recovery is incomplete. Displaced populations often face: Insecure housing Interrupted…

Community Trust is the Real Disaster Infrastructure Hospitals, emergency operations centers, and supply chains matter—but trust is the infrastructure that determines whether people follow guidance, seek care, or cooperate during emergencies. Without trust: Warnings are ignored Misinformation spreads Fear replaces coordination Public health measures fail Trust is built over time through transparency, consistency, cultural humility, and accountability. It cannot be manufactured during crisis. Preparedness efforts that invest in community relationships before disasters occur respond faster and more effectively when emergencies arise. Trust is not supplemental to preparedness,it is foundational. #adventureswithnursejamla

Community Trust is the Real Disaster Infrastructure

Hospitals, emergency operations centers, and supply chains matter—but trust is the infrastructure that determines whether people follow guidance, seek care, or cooperate during emergencies. Without trust: Warnings are ignored Misinformation…

Why One-Size-Fits-All Preparedness Fails Communities Public health preparedness guidance is often standardized for efficiency, but communities are not uniform. Geography, culture, language, infrastructure, and lived experience all shape how preparedness measures are received and acted upon. What works in one community may fail entirely in another. Preparedness fails when: Messaging is culturally mismatched Plans assume resources people do not have Trust in institutions is low…

Why One-Size-Fits-All Preparedness Fails Communities

Public health preparedness guidance is often standardized for efficiency, but communities are not uniform. Geography, culture, language, infrastructure, and lived experience all shape how preparedness measures are received and acted upon. What…

Disaster Preparedness for Children, Older Adults, and Medically Fragile Populations Preparedness planning often centers on healthy adults, yet children, older adults, and medically fragile individuals are among those most affected during public health emergencies. These populations face unique vulnerabilities: Medication and equipment dependence Limited mobility or communication ability Reliance on caregivers and support systems Higher risk of complications during disruptions For children, disasters disrupt not only physical safety but emotional security, education, and development.

Disaster Preparedness for Children, Older Adults, and Medically Fragile Populations

Preparedness planning often centers on healthy adults, yet children, older adults, and medically fragile individuals are among those most affected during public health emergencies. These populations face unique…

Preparedness is a Health Equity Issue-Here’s Why Public health emergencies do not affect all communities equally. While disasters may be indiscriminate in their arrival, their impacts are profoundly shaped by social, economic, and structural conditions that exist long before an emergency occurs. Preparedness is a health equity issue because access to information, resources, healthcare, transportation, and safe housing determines who can prepare, and who cannot. Communities facing poverty, language barriers, chronic illness, disability, or systemic marginalization often experience:

Preparedness is a Health Equity Issue-Here’s Why

Public health emergencies do not affect all communities equally. While disasters may be indiscriminate in their arrival, their impacts are profoundly shaped by social, economic, and structural conditions that exist long before an emergency occurs.…

How DON’T I communicate?

Who Takes Care of the Responders? Every disaster response depends on people who show up when others cannot. Yet preparedness conversations too often focus on what responders owe systems, rather than what systems owe responders. Preparedness is a two-way commitment. If we expect healthcare workers to respond, we must prepare to protect, support, and sustain them, before, during, and after emergencies. Preparedness that honors the workforce is preparedness that lasts. #adventureswithnursejamla

Who Takes Care of the Responders?

Every disaster response depends on people who show up when others cannot. Yet preparedness conversations too often focus on what responders owe systems, rather than what systems owe responders. Preparedness is a two-way commitment. If we expect healthcare workers…

Psychological Preparedness for Healthcare Workers in Disasters Disasters affect not only bodies, but minds. Fear, uncertainty, moral distress, and cumulative trauma are predictable features of emergency response. Psychological preparedness includes: Education about stress responses Peer support systems Leadership acknowledgment of emotional impact Access to mental health resources Preparing clinicians psychologically does not weaken them, it strengthens their ability to function under pressure. Ignoring psychological readiness places unnecessary strain on individuals and systems alike. #adventureswithnursejamla

Psychological Preparedness for Healthcare Workers in Disasters

Disasters affect not only bodies, but minds. Fear, uncertainty, moral distress, and cumulative trauma are predictable features of emergency response. Psychological preparedness includes: Education about stress responses Peer support…

Training for the Rare but Catastrophic: Why Low-Frequency Events Matter Healthcare training often prioritizes high-frequency scenarios, leaving low-probability, high-impact events underemphasized. Yet disasters rarely resemble routine operations. Chemical exposures, mass casualty incidents, pandemics, and infrastructure failures demand skills that cannot be improvised under stress. Preparedness requires: Competency-based training Scenario realism Interdisciplinary drills Regular refreshers Training for rare events builds confidence, reduces panic, and improves coordination when systems are under pressure. Preparedness is built in rehearsal, not reaction. #adventureswithnursejamla

Training for the Rare but Catastrophic: Why Low-Frequency Events Matter

Healthcare training often prioritizes high-frequency scenarios, leaving low-probability, high-impact events underemphasized. Yet disasters rarely resemble routine operations. Chemical exposures, mass casualty incidents,…

Understanding Weapons of Mass Destruction Preparedness begins with knowledge, especially when it comes to Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats remain a real concern for healthcare systems, emergency responders, and public health professionals. Whether the risk stems from terrorism, industrial accidents, or global instability, clinicians must be ready to recognize, respond, and protect. The New York State Emergency Nurses Association (NYSENA)

Understanding Weapons of Mass Destruction

Preparedness begins with knowledge, especially when it comes to Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). Chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats remain a real concern for healthcare systems, emergency responders, and public health professionals.…

What Hospitals Get Wrong About Disaster Preparedness Hospitals invest significant time and resources into preparedness, yet real-world emergencies repeatedly expose the same vulnerabilities. The issue is rarely a lack of planning; it is how preparedness is conceptualized. Common pitfalls include: Plans that are never practiced Limited frontline clinician involvement Overreliance on technology Minimal attention to psychological readiness Preparedness is not a binder on a shelf. It is a culture built through training, trust, and shared responsibility.

What Hospitals Get Wrong About Disaster Preparedness

Hospitals invest significant time and resources into preparedness, yet real-world emergencies repeatedly expose the same vulnerabilities. The issue is rarely a lack of planning; it is how preparedness is conceptualized. Common pitfalls include:…

Why Surge Capacity Fails Without Workforce Protection Surge capacity is often discussed in terms of beds, ventilators, and supplies. Yet surge capacity collapses quickly when the workforce becomes ill, injured, or exhausted. Without adequate protection, surge plans are theoretical. Workforce protection includes: Reliable PPE and exposure protocols Clear occupational health policies Support for family and dependent care Transparent risk communication Healthcare workers cannot sustain surge operations if they fear for their safety or the safety of those they love. Protecting the workforce is not separate from patient care, it is foundational to it. Preparedness planning that excludes workforce protection is planning for failure. #adventureswithnursejamla

Why Surge Capacity Fails Without Workforce Protection

Surge capacity is often discussed in terms of beds, ventilators, and supplies. Yet surge capacity collapses quickly when the workforce becomes ill, injured, or exhausted. Without adequate protection, surge plans are theoretical. Workforce…

Burnout is a Preparedness Failure, not a Personal One Burnout is often framed as an individual resilience problem. In reality, burnout is a predictable outcome of system-level preparedness failures. When healthcare workers are asked to function without adequate staffing, training, rest, or support, exhaustion is inevitable. Burnout reduces situational awareness, increases errors, and weakens response capacity during prolonged emergencies. Preparedness must include: Reasonable work-rest cycles Psychological safety Leadership visibility…

Burnout is a Preparedness Failure, not a Personal One

Burnout is often framed as an individual resilience problem. In reality, burnout is a predictable outcome of system-level preparedness failures. When healthcare workers are asked to function without adequate staffing, training, rest, or…

My mission in life is…

..to be a voice for those throughout the world through my Adventures with Nurse Jamla platform, and to support the growth of the nursing profession.

Living a long life Daily writing prompt What are your thoughts on the concept of living a very long life? View all responses Ultimately, I believe that my destiny is already written. What is important for me is to make a difference everyday in the lives of others so that I don't look back on my life and wonder what I did with it. I don't want to regret anything in life, so no matter how long I am on this earth, what matters most is what I did in the service of others.

Living a long life

Daily writing prompt What are your thoughts on the concept of living a very long life? View all responses Ultimately, I believe that my destiny is already written. What is important for me is to make a difference everyday in the lives of others so that I don't look back on my…

Preparedness Fatigue: When “Always Ready” Becomes Exhausting Preparedness fatigue is real, especially for healthcare workers and public health professionals. Constant vigilance, repeated crises, and prolonged uncertainty take a toll. When preparedness becomes framed as “always on,” people burn out. Sustainable preparedness acknowledges human limits. Effective preparedness systems: Normalize rest and recovery Rotate responsibilities Build redundancy Support mental health Preparedness that exhausts people ultimately weakens systems. Readiness must be sustainable to be effective. #adventureswithnursejamla

Preparedness Fatigue: When “Always Ready” Becomes Exhausting

Preparedness fatigue is real, especially for healthcare workers and public health professionals. Constant vigilance, repeated crises, and prolonged uncertainty take a toll. When preparedness becomes framed as “always on,” people burn…

Don’t look back on the past…