Resilience and disaster preparedness among nursing students: A descriptive correlational study

Background The increased frequency and severity of natural disasters underscore the need for a resilient, disaster-prepared nursing workforce. Resilience is one factor that may shape how nursing students respond to disasters. This study examines the relationship between nursing students’ resilience, as measured by the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), and disaster preparedness. Method A cross-sectional, correlational design was used. Data were collected via an anonymous online survey. Results Higher resilience scores were associated with greater confidence in disaster preparedness, feeling prepared, and having received disaster training. Most participants were willing to respond to a disaster but felt unprepared and were not trained or registered to respond. Most did not know about emergency plans and were unaware of evacuation routes and shelter locations. Those with prior disaster experience were more prepared. Conclusion Prioritizing disaster preparedness and resilience-building content in nursing curricula is essential to prepare a disaster-ready future nursing workforce.