Disaster nursing curriculum development based on vulnerability assessment in the Pacific Northwest

Disasters caused by naturally occurring or deliberately caused infections, toxic chemical spills, radiologic releases, or other catastrophic events are likely to challenge the US health care system and pose special risks to vulnerable groups. Despite these threats in die environment, most US nursing programs lack disaster nursing content. This article describes disaster nursing competencies needed in Washington State based on standards, local geographic and population vulnerabilities, expert review, and surveys of nursing students and practicing nurses. Disaster nursing competencies included the following categories: (1) providing for patient care needs; (2) practicing safely; (3) preparing, implementing, and evaluating institutional and community protocols in preparation for a disaster; (4) reporting and communicating; and (5) accessing up-to-date information. Practicing nurses and student nurses indicated a strong need for disaster nursing content; the greatest perceived need was for content related to caring for injured or ill patients and practicing safely during a disaster.