Assessment of Emergency Nursing Preparedness at General Hospitals in Adamawa State

Background: Emergency nursing preparedness is critical for effective triage, resuscitation, and mass casualty management, particularly in regions with high rates of road traffic accidents and communal violence. Aim: This study assessed emergency nursing preparedness at selected general hospitals in Adamawa State, North East Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey recruited 80 nurses from emergency units of five general hospitals through purposive sampling. Preparedness was evaluated through a structured questionnaire covering training, equipment, triage skills, and mass casualty protocols. Data were analysed with descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Only 41% of nurses had undergone formal emergency nursing training in the preceding three years. Triage skill scores were adequate in 55% of respondents, while knowledge of mass casualty management protocols was adequate in only 33%. Equipment deficiencies, including lack of defibrillators and suction machines, were documented in 60% of facilities. Conclusion: Emergency preparedness is critically insufficient in Adamawa general hospitals. Investment in emergency nursing training, facility equipment upgrades, and development of context-appropriate emergency nursing protocols are priorities for improving emergency care outcomes. Keywords: emergency nursing, preparedness, triage, Adamawa, mass casualty.