| This research study assessed the level of disaster preparedness of North Dakota nurse practitioners for biological and chemicals events. Current research reflects an increasingly high interest in the level of disaster preparedness for United States health care providers. Unfortunately, little knowledge exists concerning the level of disaster preparedness of nurse practitioners. Arguably, the lack of preparedness in the health care industry to respond to a disaster event is a formula for cascading disaster. In order for nurse practitioners to be effective nursing leaders during disasters, mass casualty events, or public health emergencies, they must have the skills and education to respond safely and effectively. In order to effectively respond as a health care system, rural health care providers and facilities need to be prepared as disasters do not always happen in urban areas.;A prospective survey about disaster preparedness of North Dakota nurse practitioners was administered. Participants completed a 30-question survey about their disaster preparedness knowledge and beliefs. The survey was administered to 241 North Dakota nurse practitioners with 45 respondents returning the survey. An 18.6% return was received. Based on analysis of the data survey, assumptions could be made that North Dakota nurse practitioners have limited disaster preparedness education. Currently, there are no accurate measures of disaster preparedness of nurse practitioners at the local, state, or federal level. However, 59% of survey respondents reported that they have received disaster education. Recommendations for future research and disaster preparedness educational modalities were made. These include utilizing video conferencing, web-based programs, and drills for development of nurse practitioners disaster response competencies. In addition, undergraduate and graduate nursing programs need to incorporate disaster preparedness education into their curricula. |
PDF Full Text Request