Introduction: Capability of the rescue team in all aspects can reduce mortality and morbidity rate. Nurses therefore should be well educated and fully trained to be able to perform efficiently in disaster as a main part of the rescue team. Objective: The current survey was done in 2005, aiming to determine nursing student’s abilities of performing in disaster. Method: This descriptive survey was done on 50 students chosen with proportional sampling method. The students were at first and last grade of B.S nursing course. Data were collected self reporting, using researchers made tools of demographics data, awareness determination and ability investigation forms. Data were analyzed using t-test and chi square methods. Results: Awareness of students of their role in 3 stages of disaster were different among the first and last year students (t=0.5, p<0.0001) but self reported professional abilities were not statistically significant (t=2.84, p=0.68) Conclusion: The current survey shows that while the students' awareness has improved, their abilities have not significantly changed. The findings suggested that disaster nursing curriculum should be emphasizing practical aspects.
Keywords: Knowledge, Performance, Nursing Students, Disaster, Nurses Rol
