Natural disasters can cause significant disruptions to healthcare facilities and communities. From hurricanes to tornadoes to wildfires, these events can cause a sudden increase in demand for medical care and drive hospital census in unexpected ways.

Here are five key factors that can drive hospital census during natural disasters:

• Injuries: Natural disasters can cause a range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to serious, life-threatening conditions. Hospitals need to be prepared to manage the influx of patients in need of urgent medical care.

• Chronic Medical Conditions: Natural disasters can also exacerbate existing medical conditions, such as asthma or diabetes. Patients may require additional medical attention during and after these events.

• Psychological Distress: Natural disasters can cause significant psychological distress, leading to increased demand for mental health services. Hospitals need to be prepared to provide support to patients struggling with the emotional aftermath of these events.

• Displaced Patients: Natural disasters can force patients to evacuate their homes and seek medical care elsewhere. This can cause a sudden increase in demand for medical care in areas not normally served by a hospital.

• Staffing Shortages: Natural disasters can also cause staffing shortages as healthcare workers are unable to travel to work due to flooding or other conditions. Hospitals need to be prepared to manage these shortages and maintain optimal staffing levels to provide quality patient care.

So, how can hospitals prepare for these challenges and manage increased census during natural disasters? One solution is to partner with Fastaff Travel Nursing, the premier provider of Rapid Response® travel nursing services.

Fastaff provides experienced, highly skilled travel nurses who can support existing hospital staff during times of high demand. With expertise in a range of specialties, our travel nurses can help manage patient care and maintain optimal staffing levels, even during times of crisis.

By partnering with Fastaff, hospitals can be confident that they're prepared to manage the sudden increase in demand for medical care that can occur during natural disasters. Our services are flexible and can be tailored to meet the unique needs of each hospital and community.

In conclusion, natural disasters can have a significant impact on hospital census, but with proper preparation and support, hospitals can continue to provide quality patient care even during times of crisis. Partnering with Fastaff is one way to ensure that your hospital is ready to meet the challenges that natural disasters can bring. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help support your facility during these events.