Abstract: Objective To assess the current status of disaster preparedness among emergency nurses in secondary class A and above general hospitals in Jiangxi Province and identify influencing factors, providing evidence for improving disaster management capacity. Methods Using the Disaster Preparedness Evaluation Scale, a disaster preparedness survey was conducted among emergency nurses from 70 secondary class A and above general hospitals in Jiangxi Province. A multiple linear regression model was applied to analyze factors associated with disaster preparedness. Results A total of 987 questionnaires were distributed, and 943 responses were collected, with a valid response rate of 95.54%. The overall disaster preparedness score of emergency nurses was (216.05 ± 45.15) points, indicating an upper-middle level. Among the three dimensions, scores ranked from high to low as follows: disaster knowledge (4.91 ± 0.98) points, post-disaster management (4.80 ± 1.03) points and disaster skills (4.68 ± 1.16) points. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that nurses aged ≤ 30 years had higher preparedness levels than those aged ≥ 40 years (β = 15.121, P < 0.05). Nurses with work experience ≤ 5 years or 6 to 10 years had lower preparedness levels than those with ≥ 11 years of experience (β = -49.607 and -28.786, P < 0.001). Nurses working in top tertiary hospitals had lower preparedness levels than those in tertiary class B hospitals (β = -10.523, P < 0.05). Nurses with disaster rescue experience had higher preparedness levels than those without such experience (β = 19.406, P < 0.001). Nurses participating in disaster training scored higher than those not participating (β = 18.042, P < 0.001). Conclusions Emergency nurses in secondary class A and above general hospitals in Jiangxi Province demonstrated a moderate level of disaster preparedness. Standardized training focusing on basic disaster knowledge and practical skills should be strengthened for junior and less-educated nurses, while senior or highly educated nurses should receive advanced training in areas such as emergency decision-making, organizational coordination, and post-disaster management. Additionally, high-fidelity simulation drills and tabletop exercises should be widely implemented to enhance the practical response capabilities of emergency nurses.