Preparation for Disasters Among Nurse Leaders in New York State: A Replication Study and Guide for Preparation

OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge and confidence levels in emergency management and disaster preparedness among nurse leaders, and to provide recommendations for enhancing nurse leader preparedness. BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant gaps in disaster preparedness among healthcare leaders, including deficiencies in disaster training, underscoring the need for better preparation. METHODS: This replication study used a prospective, cross-sectional design. Participants rated their confidence in managing disasters using the Emergency Preparedness Information Questionnaire. RESULTS: NYONL members (n=198) demonstrated moderate confidence in disaster preparedness (mean score: 3.11). Four major needs that emerged were education specific to emergency preparedness, supply management, infection prevention, and mental health and well-being. CONCLUSIONS: There is a critical need to better equip nurse leaders for future emergency situations. Overall, this study's findings suggest that targeted disaster training and educational opportunities, especially those emphasizing leadership and well-being, are critical to better equip nurse leaders for future emergency situations.