Development of a Disaster Nursing Competencies Assessment Instrument for Baccalaureate Nursing Education

Background: Nursing education must prepare graduates for disasters. The purpose of this study was to develop a list of critical disaster nursing competencies to be assessed as part of baccalaureate nursing education. Method: The International Council of Nurses (ICN) and World Health Organization (WHO) Framework of Disaster Nursing Competencies was used to develop an online survey. RNs with experience in disaster nursing and disaster education were asked to divide the disaster competencies into two categories-baccalaureate/entry-level or master's/doctorate-advanced practice level. The results were analyzed using one-sample binomial test. Results: Sixty-five RNs completed the online survey. Fifteen (12%) of the ICN and WHO disaster competencies were categorized as more appropriate for master's/doctorate nursing education. Conclusion: This project has developed a list of disaster nursing competencies for use by baccalaureate nursing programs, as well as a list of competencies specific for community and public health nurse educators.