National Disaster Preparedness: Can Nurses Stay Afloat?
Wanda Hilliard, Donna Owen, Alexia Green, Jenna Kesey, Annette Gary, Amy Boothe, Rachel Chapman, Molly P. LeeBackground:
Disasters in the United States are increasing in frequency and severity, yet many nurses lack formal education in disaster management. Faculty at a School of Nursing developed a comprehensive approach to integrate disaster preparedness training across all academic programs.
Method:
Faculty conducted a literature review and convened monthly to assess curricular gaps using AACN
Results:
A public health emergency response model identified existing competencies and deficits. The framework employs a hybrid top-down and bottom-up approach, ensuring consistent competency standards while incorporating community-based learning across baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral programs.
Conclusion:
Integrating disaster preparedness throughout nursing curricula using competency-based frameworks and community partnerships prepares graduates to respond effectively to increasing disaster events, ensuring nurse readiness for local, national, and global emergencies.