In this recorded presentation, Prof. Alison Hutton discusses why disaster nursing competencies are increasingly vital in contemporary health care due to the growing frequency and complexity of disasters worldwide. Climate change, pandemics, technological incidents, and large-scale social disruptions have heightened the demand for nurses who can respond effectively to crises that threaten community health and well-being.
The ICN Nursing Competencies for disasters include assessment and triage, infection control, crisis communication, ethical decision-making, leadership, and collaboration within multidisciplinary teams. Beyond clinical proficiency, disaster nursing requires adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and psychological resilience—qualities essential for sustaining both individual and community recovery. Disaster nursing competencies align with the broader goals of public health and sustainable development by promoting equity, safety, and continuity of care for vulnerable populations. As trusted health professionals embedded in all communities, nurses play a pivotal role not only in responding to emergencies but also in mitigating their long-term health and psychosocial impacts.