Disaster Nursing Competencies in a Time of Global Conflicts and Climate Crises: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study

The aim of this study was to explore the disaster-related nursing competencies among Slovenian nurses, focusing on core competencies, barriers to competency development and roles in disaster management. It also examined the predictors of these competencies, including participation in training, emergency drills, qualifications and leadership roles.

Global conflicts and climate crises have increased the frequency and intensity of disasters and pose challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. Nurses play a critical role in disaster preparedness, response and recovery, yet their competencies are under-researched.

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 379 registered nurses using the Slovenian version of the Disaster Nursing Core Competencies Scale (Sl-DNCC). The analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests and logistic regression to identify predictors of disaster nursing competencies.

Nurses considered disaster-related core competencies to be moderately to very important. Statistically significant predictors of competencies included participation in training, frequency of emergency drills, possession of formal qualifications, and leadership roles. Barriers to developing competencies, such as limited resources and organisational support, were most prevalent among nurses with less experience. Engagement in disaster management was low, except for nurses with leadership positions or frequent participation in drills.

These findings emphasise the importance of leadership roles, practical training and institutional support in enhancing nurses' disaster competencies. Removing barriers, such as limited training opportunities and resources, is critical to strengthening preparedness.

This study emphasises the need for targeted interventions, including a national competency framework and regular training on disaster management, to improve nursing preparedness in Slovenia.

Policymakers and healthcare organisations should prioritise investment in training infrastructure, interdisciplinary simulation and leadership development.