Challenges and Opportunities of Nursing Care in Special-Needs Shelters

This article discusses lessons learned and challenges that were encountered by nurses volunteering in special-needs shelters during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, including issues related to human and physical resources, patient care, and confidentiality. Evacuee patients included residents with special needs, and residents of nursing homes and group homes for mentally and physically disabled persons. Similar issues may occur in alternate care and shelter site congregate environments.