We invite you to join our 2025 series where we explore the unique challenges afflicting rural communities when faced with disaster. With the increase of natural disasters, humanitarian crises, and conflicts worldwide, rural nurses are frequently the first to respond, providing immediate aid to their community. This webinar series will share stories of planning, preparedness, and response from individuals who serve rural communities in Canada, the Philippines, the United States, and St. Kitts.

Defining and Understanding Disasters: What Does It Mean For Rural Nurses?

April 8, 2025 | 9:00 AM Central and 3:00 PM Central
This webinar will define disasters, provide examples of types of disasters, and include statistics about the frequency of such events in North America. Importantly, the role of rural nurses in preparing and responding to disasters will also be included. The ICN Framework of disaster nursing competencies will be discussed within a context of rural and remote settings. Throughout the webinar, examples from the presenter’s rural wildfire program will be included.

Presented by Judith C. Kulig, BScN, PhD ,Professor Emeritus, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lethbridge.
Over Judith’s 25-year academic career, she focused her research on rural health issues including rural nursing practice, understanding cultural groups who live in rural areas and resilience in rural communities that experienced wildfires. She was co-editor for the North American section of Rural and Remote Health Online Journal. Judith distributed her research findings through numerous publications and presentations accessed by community members, decision makers, researchers and the media.

Register for the 9:00 AM Central session.

Register for the 3:00 PM Central session.

Nurses on the Frontlines: Lessons from Disaster Preparedness and Response in the Philippines

September 4, 2025 | 7:00 PM Central
This webinar will focus on the unique challenges and opportunities faced by nurses in the Philippines when responding to disasters such as typhoons, earthquakes, and floods. Participants will gain insights into the critical role nurses play in disaster preparedness, immediate response, and long-term recovery efforts.

Presented by Aris Kendell R. Bungabong, PhDNS, RN, Nursing Dean, St. Anthony’s College, Philippines
As a passionate leader in nursing education, Aris holds key leadership roles in several nursing organizations and has represented the Philippines at international conferences. His areas of interest include disaster preparedness, emergency response, and advancing nursing education.

Register for the 7:00 PM Central session.