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Andrew Pollack-Gray

Nursing Notes

Donning and Doffing PPE

2 min read

When & Why?

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) protects healthcare workers and residents from exposure to infectious materials.

  • Donning: Putting on PPE before exposure.
  • Doffing: Removing PPE while minimizing self-contamination.
  • PPE selection depends on anticipated exposure and required precautions.

Before You Start

  • Check required precautions and isolation signage.
  • Select appropriate PPE and correct sizes.
  • Inspect equipment for damage.
  • Perform hand hygiene.
  • Know the designated location for PPE removal.

Steps

Donning (Putting On)

Common sequence:

  1. Gown: Cover torso and arms; secure according to the gown design.
  2. Mask/Respirator: Position securely over nose and mouth. Perform a user seal check for a tight-fitting respirator.
  3. Goggles/Face Shield: Position securely to protect eyes and face.
  4. Gloves: Extend gloves over gown cuffs.
    Remember: Gown → Mask/Respirator → Eye Protection → Gloves.

Doffing (Removing)

Example sequence:

  1. Gloves: Remove without contaminating bare hands.
  2. Eye Protection: Remove using straps or earpieces.
  3. Gown: Release ties and pull away, turning contaminated surfaces inward.
  4. Mask/Respirator: Remove using straps without touching the front.
  5. Hand Hygiene: Clean hands after PPE removal.
    Important: Approved doffing sequences vary. Some protocols remove gown and gloves together, and respiratory protection may be removed in a different location.

Safety & Observations

  • PPE exteriors may be contaminated after use.
  • Avoid touching your face with contaminated gloves.
  • Perform hand hygiene whenever hands become contaminated during removal.
  • Change gloves between contaminated and clean tasks as required.
  • Never touch the contaminated front of a mask or face shield.
  • Respirators for airborne precautions are generally removed after leaving the isolation room and closing the door.
  • Follow facility-specific instructions for reusable eye protection.
  • Follow the procedure taught during your competency assessment.

What Should I Remember?

  • Donning: Gloves usually go on last.
  • Doffing: Avoid contaminating yourself.
  • PPE must match the anticipated exposure.
  • Gloves never replace hand hygiene.
  • Incorrect doffing can cause self-contamination.

Practice

  • Studied
  • Observed
  • Practiced
  • Passed checkoff

Sources

Flashcards

Why is the removal sequence for PPE important?03-application / clinical-skills
Answer

Contaminated surfaces can transfer organisms to skin or clothing.

What must be performed after PPE removal?03-application / clinical-skills
Answer

Hand hygiene.

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