Four hundred and seventy-four participants completed the survey. Sixty-five per cent
of respondents described their current disaster preparedness as weak: 18% medium: 12% good;
and 5% felt their preparation was very good. Thirty-one per cent received disaster education in
undergraduate programs; 8% in graduate nursing programs; 31% in facility drills, and 22% in
continuing education courses. Eleven per cent had participated in a real disaster. Four hundred
and thirty RNs wanted to learn more about RNs role in disasters, including knowledge and skills.
Conclusion: Knowledge, skills, and disaster preparedness need continual reinforcement to
improve self efficacy for disaster management.