Date of Graduation
Summer 8-14-2026
Document Access
Project/Capstone - Global access
Degree Name
Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
College/School
School of Nursing and Health Professions
Program
MSN project
First Advisor
Dr. Cynthia Huff DNP, RN, OCN, CRNI, CNL
Abstract
Emergency department (ED) nurses are often the first healthcare professionals to care for patients exposed to hazardous chemicals, making preparedness essential for protecting both patients and healthcare workers. Despite established emergency preparedness standards, many ED nurses report limited knowledge, confidence, and training related to chemical exposure and hazardous materials (HazMat) response. The purpose of this quality improvement project is to enhance emergency department staff preparedness by implementing a structured chemical-exposure education program. The intervention includes didactic education on recognizing chemical exposures, hazardous materials response protocols, and decontamination procedures, followed by pre- and post-intervention assessments to evaluate knowledge and preparedness. The project aims to increase staff competency from 60% to 80% within two months. Outcome measures include knowledge assessment scores, staff preparedness surveys, and competency evaluations. The project is guided by the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) quality improvement framework and supported by the Donabedian Model to improve the structure, process, and outcomes of emergency preparedness. By increasing staff knowledge and confidence, this project seeks to strengthen emergency department readiness, improve adherence to safety protocols, reduce the risk of secondary contamination, and promote a safer environment for patients and healthcare providers during chemical exposure incidents.
Recommended Citation
Almendarez, Valia, "Improving Emergency Department Staff Preparedness for Chemical Exposure and Hazardous Material Incidents Through Structured Education" (2026). Master's Projects and Capstones. 2064.
https://repository.usfca.edu/capstone/2064
