Factors Affecting Hospital-based Nurses’ Willingness to Respond to a Radiation Emergency

This article includes results from a survey of hospital-based nurses conducted to evaluate their baseline knowledge; self-assessed clinical competence; perception of personal safety; and willingness to respond in the event of a radiological emergency. Baseline knowledge was found to be inadequate among respondents. Baseline knowledge, clinical competence, and perception of personal safety were all positively associated with willingness to respond, and the authors recommend additional clinical training to prepare nurses to respond to a radiation emergency.