Training Nurses for Disasters: A Systematic Review on Self-Efficacy and Preparedness

Background: The rising frequency and complexity of disasters underscores the urgent need for robust preparedness in healthcare. Nurses and nursing students, as key frontline responders, often lack sufficient training to respond effectively to emergencies and recovery efforts. Aim: This review evaluates the effectiveness of disaster preparedness training in terms of nurses’ and nursing students’ self-efficacy in providing disaster care and determines which training approaches are most effective. Method: A systematic review was conducted of peer-reviewed articles published in English between 2014 and 2025 across Medline, PubMed, ProQuest, and Health & Medical Col. Search terms included nurses, nursing students, self-efficacy, disaster training, emergency preparedness, training, simulation and scenario-based learning. Results: Nineteen peer-reviewed studies met the inclusion criteria. Overall, disaster preparedness training was found to enhance nurses’ and nursing students’ self-efficacy, knowledge and skills, with simulation-based and scenario-driven approaches producing the most consistent gains. These methods provided realistic and immersive experiences that fostered confidence and strengthened preparedness. Traditional lectures and workshops also improved outcomes but were generally less effective in sustaining self-efficacy over time. Reported challenges included limited faculty expertise, insufficient institutional support, and psychological barriers that may reduce engagement and impact. Conclusion: Integrating disaster preparedness into nursing curricula and professional training is vital for strengthening nurses’ and nursing students’ self-efficacy in crisis response. Evidence shows that simulation-based education, particularly when combined with traditional approaches, is especially effective in building knowledge and skills. Embedding these methods into training frameworks offers a sustainable strategy to ensure a more competent and resilient nursing workforce.