Health and Services
Nursing Vision: American Red Cross Nursing...a presence throughout...uplifting lives with compassion and special skills...competent and prepared...strengthening the organization with innovation and support...enhancing the Red Cross.

Background
Nurses have always been a cornerstone for the provision of services by the American Red Cross. Historically, Red Cross nurses have provided their assistance during times of disaster and conflict beginning with the 1889 Johnstown floods and the 1888 Yellow Fever epidemic. The Red Cross Nursing Service was formally established by Jane Delano in 1909. Red Cross nursing has also had a major role in the historical evolution of nursing and nursing leadership in the United States with many Red Cross nurses, including Jane Delano, Clara Noyes, Julia Stimson and others playing strategic roles in the development of American nursing.

Nurse Involvement Today
More than 30,000 nurses continue to be involved in paid and volunteer capacities at all levels and in all service areas throughout the American Red Cross. These activities consist of:

• Providing direct services: e.g.; local Disaster Action Teams (DAT), Health Fairs, volunteer in military clinics and hospitals, blood collection team, first aid stations.
• Teaching and developing courses: CPR/First Aid, Automatic emergency Defibrillator(AED), Disaster Health Services, Nurse Assistant Training, Babysitting, Family Caregiving.
• Acting in management and supervisory roles: including Chapter and Blood Services region executives.
• Functioning in governance roles: local board member to national Board of Governors.

If you are interested in volunteering in our Health Services program, please contact Alison Maruca, our Volunteer Director, at 912-651-5321.

Student Nurses
Every day, the American Red Cross is involved in helping people when they need it most…whether it's half a million disaster victims or one sick child who needs blood. People like you, who learn how good it feels to lend a helping hand, make our vital work possible. Student nurses have been involved in helping the Red Cross deliver critical community services for more than half a century. Volunteering with the American Red Cross provides a setting that is relevant to learning nursing skills and can lead to a life long opportunity for service. Follow in the footsteps of some of the most famous nursing leaders and find out how good it feels to wear the Red Cross emblem!

Opportunities for Student Nurse Involvement

Follow these steps to volunteer with the American Red Cross:

1. Contact the Volunteer Director at 912-651-5321 and schedule a time to visit the Red Cross and discuss your interests.
   • Determine the areas in which you would like to volunteer
2. A member of our Disaster Health Services team will contact you and get you started.

What Students Say About Their Red Cross Experience

• "I worked hard and enjoyed having to use my knowledge, skills and creativity!"
• "I liked being involved in ‘meaningful’ projects!"
• "It was fun and enlightening working with such diverse and dedicated people."
• "…the commitment and enthusiasm were catching."
• "Prospective employers were impressed with my ‘real work’ experience."

They look for victims that are displaying signs of serious stress or emotional trauma. They talk to them and reassure them that their feelings of fear and anxiety are normal. They will encourage victims to talk about their experiences and work through their emotions today and in the weeks to come.

Red Cross mental health workers also will be paying special attention to all the children involved in these catastrophes, providing support and guidance to them and their parents. For example, depending on their age, children may not be able to articulate clearly their fears and anxiety. Mental health workers will encourage them to express their emotions through coloring or play. Also, they will tell parents that they can expect children to look for adults for clues about how to react.

If you are a licensed or certified mental health professional and are interested in volunteering your services, please contact Alison Maruca at 912-651-5321.