Nurses’ Willingness and Competence to Work During Disasters and Their Related Factors: Case Study of a State Hospital in Turkey

Abstract

Background: Disasters put immense strain on healthcare resources. This study aims to determine the willingness and competence of nurses who are employed in Public Hospitals in the City Center of Bolu, Turkey. Additionally, the study aims to determine socio-demographic and other related factors of the willingness and competence of nurses during disasters. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was carried out Public Hospitals in the City Center of Bolu, Turkey. The sample was not chosen, as it was aimed to reach the entire research population (547). In the study, 311 people (56.8%) were reached. A questionnaire of 35 questions was prepared in order to collect data from participants. Additionally, “Basic Qualifications Scale in Nurses' Preparedness for Disaster” was used. Results: Most participants were determined to be undecided in regard to work a disaster. Earthquakes were the disasters that participants were most willing to work in. Infectious diseases were the disasters that participants were least willing to work in. Nurses who were single, male, who had no phobias, who had hobbies, who did not have children, people who had independent person, who had NGO memberships and Hospital Disaster Plan knowledge were more willing to work in disaster (p<0,05). Nurses who were single, male, who had hobbies, had a role in Hospital Disaster Plan had more competence to work in disaster (p<0,05). Conclusion: Most nurses were undecided in regard to work a disaster. Medical institutions should consider that nurses are more willing to work during some disaster than others.