Leveraging an Academic-Clinical Partnership to Enhance Undergraduate Nursing Disaster Education.

Abstract

Background: Nurses are essential team members during emergency responses. Fundamental disaster knowledge and skills are vital to respond effectively in disaster situations; however, nursing curricula often do not incorporate this content sufficiently.

Method: Faculty partnered with nursing leaders within an academic-clinical partnership (ACP) to update disaster content for relevancy, create new classroom learning activities, and design and implement an immersive on-site learning experience. Students completed a voluntary survey following the experience.

Results: Students (n = 50) rated the learning experiences as very helpful and highly recommended faculty continue to offer similar experiences in future course iterations. Qualitative feedback highlighted the value of hands-on experience, effects on future careers, and appreciation for content relevancy. Faculty and clinical partners affirmed the relevance and value of the revised content and experience.

Conclusion: Leveraging ACPs within undergraduate nursing education can facilitate and enhance the delivery of content related to disaster management and emergency preparedness. [J Nurs Educ. 2025;64(4):251-254.].