Assessing the Relationship Between Clinical Competencies and Disaster Preparedness of Nurses at the Philippine National Police Regional Medical and Dental Unit 11

Abstract. Disaster preparedness among nurses is a critical component of effective emergency response, particularly in high-risk and specialized settings such as police medical units. This study assessed the relationship between clinical competencies and disaster preparedness among nurses assigned to the Philippine National Police Regional Medical and Dental Unit 11 (PNP RMDU-11). A quantitative correlational research design was employed, involving a total enumeration of 23 registered nurses. Data were collected using validated self-assessment instruments measuring proficiency in essential clinical skills, such as basic life support, triage, wound care, and intravenous therapy, and levels of disaster preparedness across cognitive, affective, and behavioral domains. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and regression analysis, were conducted at a 0.05 level of significance.Findings revealed that respondents demonstrated high levels of clinical competence and disaster preparedness. A statistically significant positive relationship was identified between clinical competencies and disaster preparedness, indicating that higher proficiency in essential clinical skills is associated with greater readiness for disaster response. Among the competencies, triage and basic life support emerged as significant predictors of preparedness. The results highlight the importance of competency-based training, simulation exercises, and continuous professional development in strengthening disaster readiness among nurses in law enforcement healthcare settings. This study contributes to the limited body of research on disaster preparedness within police medical units and provides evidence-based insights for the development of targeted training programs, policy enhancements, and institutional strategies aimed at improving emergency response capacity and healthcare system resilience. Keywords: Clinical competencies, Disaster preparedness, Emergency response, Nursing competence, Police medical units