Final answer:
The statement indicating proper understanding of disaster planning by newly hired nurses is that disaster drills should be held on a regular basis to ensure preparedness and effective response to real-life events.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of this question deals with the requirements for disaster planning in healthcare settings. When evaluating the understanding of disaster planning by newly hired nurses, the correct statement that indicates proper understanding is: A. "Disaster drills should be held on a regular basis." This reflects the importance of consistent practice and preparedness in managing potential disasters effectively. Regular drills ensure that healthcare professionals, including nurses, keep their skills sharp and are ready to respond efficiently when a real disaster strikes. While other options might partially convey some aspects of disaster planning and response, option A is centered on the foundational concept of regular preparation.
Other options such as a staff nurse functioning as the incident commander or a physician being required to triage victims are more specific procedural details that might vary depending on the situation. The key to effective disaster planning is the regular rehearsal of drills to ensure that the healthcare team can respond appropriately, making the most of their human capital, such as skills gained through education, training, and experience.