Vol. 8, Issue 10 (2019)

Introduction: Disaster is a situational crisis which can be accidental, uncommon and unexpected events that disrupts the entire communities. In such events the nurses play an important role. With this idea, the researchers aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitude and practice on disaster nursing among the staff nurses from selected hospitals of Pune city.

Methods: The researcher used quantitative approach and exploratory descriptive design. Settings were selected hospitals from Pune City. Population included nurses of the hospital and sample were the nurses working in selected hospital of Pune city. Inclusion criteria were – minimum 6 months of experience and the exclusion criteria were - ANM Nurses and Nurses above 50 yrs of age. Sampling technique used was non probability purposive sampling and sample size was 200. The tool consisted of demographic data sheet, Knowledge assessment – containing semi structured questions on role, preparedness and management, Attitude and practice questionnaire.

Result: The demographic data showed maximum nurses were in the age group of 20 – 30 yrs; Most of them were females; 79% of them were Hindu by religion; 46% of them had completed GNM; 94% were working as staff nurse; 77% were working in sub acute wards and 70% of nurses had not attended any kind of conference or workshop on disaster nursing. The knowledge level were good as far as role is concerned but the preparedness and management showed lesser percentage in good category. There was a correlation between role, preparedness and management on the knowledge with 0.9. The attitude of nurses towards disaster nursing was positive and only 31% had regular practice and updated practice in their hospitals.

Conclusion: Thus there is a need for updating the knowledge and implement the same at every institute.