Jordanian nurses' perceptions of their preparedness for disaster management

Abstract

Aim: To assess Jordanian RNs' perceptions regarding their knowledge, skills, and preparedness for disaster management. Background: Current disaster knowledge, skills, and preparedness levels need to be evaluated to guide plans for effective educational programs. There is also a need to know where RNs received their knowledge, skills, and preparation, to enhance or improve future educational opportunities. Methods: Cross-sectional survey where the Disaster Preparedness Evaluation Tool (DPET®) was distributed to Jordanian RNs who work in three randomly selected Ministry of Health hospitals and two university hospitals. Results: 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. Recommendations: There is a need for a consistent national nursing curriculum for disaster preparedness and nationwide drills to increase disaster knowledge, skills, preparedness, and confidence. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.