Preparing to respond: Irish nurses' perceptions of preparedness for an influenza pandemic

• This study is on preparedness for an influenza pandemic in Ireland.
• Focus is placed on the professional and personal concerns of nurses.
• 90% of nurses were willing to provide nursing care during a pandemic.
• 87% of nurses felt they had an increased risk to influenza pandemic due to occupational exposure.
• Just 11% of nurses reported receiving seasonal influenza vaccination.

IntroductionThe aim of this research was to garner opinion on: the concerns of nurses in respect of the key issues that they may face in the event of an influenza pandemic; the perceived impact of an influenza pandemic on these nurses; and the current level of perceived preparedness in their hospital. Of particular significance is the fact that data for this study were gathered from nursing staff during a period when there was a heightened risk of an outbreak.MethodsThe data for this study were gathered using a structured, self-administered questionnaire, which was distributed to 127 nurses. A response rate of 72% was achieved. The questionnaire was based on the instrument used by Wong et al. in their 2008 study of preparedness for an avian influenza pandemic in Singapore.ResultsAlthough the results reveal a number of concerns raised by nurses, it is clear that the majority (90%) view treating and caring for influenza patients as core to their role. While recognising their professional responsibilities, they reveal apprehension about certain aspects of their work, such as an increased likelihood of infection, added workload and pressures, an increased concern for those close to them who could become infected as well as the overall increase in stress levels at work. The extent of professional and personal preparedness, together with the concerns and perceptions of nurses, could affect the hospital's overall capacity to respond and these concerns should be addressed by those responsible for the development of pandemic response plan.