In the event of a fire in a long term care facility, what should the nurse do first?

The priority in the event of a fire in a long-term care facility revolves around ensuring the safety of clients and residents. Evacuating clients to a safe area is crucial as it addresses their immediate safety needs. Given that many residents may have mobility issues or other health concerns, the nurse must act quickly to guide them away from the danger.

While it is essential to notify the fire department and other staff members, these actions typically come after ensuring that clients are moved to a safe location. Attempting to extinguish the fire can put both the nurse and clients at additional risk, especially if the fire is beyond control or if proper firefighting equipment is not readily available. Hence, the immediate focus should be on the evacuation and safety of all individuals in the facility.