Evaluating a Low-Cost Disaster Preparedness Simulation for Prelicensure Nursing Students

Objective: This innovation in simulation evaluated the effectiveness of a time sensible, low-cost simulation on prelicensure nursing students’ knowledge and confidence in responding to public health emergencies. Method: One hundred eighty-two nursing students, in groups of 5, participated in a 75-min emergency preparedness disaster simulation. A mixed methods design was used to evaluate students’ knowledge and confidence in disaster preparedness, and satisfaction with the simulation. Results: Students reported an increase in knowledge and confidence following the disaster simulation and satisfaction with the experience. Conclusions: Prelicensure nursing programs can replicate this low cost, time sensible disaster simulation to effectively educate students in emergency preparedness.