Free Essay

Nursing

In:

Submitted By hannah26
Words 4485
Pages 18
PR ACTICE STAndARd

Infection Prevention and Control

Table of Contents
Introduction Standard Statements Application of evidence-based measures Application of professional judgment Risk reduction Communication Maintaining a Quality Practice Setting Case Scenarios Appendix Glossary of Clinical Terms References 3 4 4 4 5 5 6 8 9 11 12

OuR MISSIOn is to protect the public’s right to quality nursing services by providing leadership to the nursing profession in self-regulation. OuR vISIOn is excellence in nursing practice everywhere in Ontario.

Infection Prevention and Control ISBN 1-897074-32-8

Pub. No. 41002

Copyright © College of Nurses of Ontario, 2009. Commercial or for-profit redistribution of this document in part or in whole is prohibited except with the written consent of CNO. This document may be reproduced in part or in whole for personal or educational use without permission, provided that: • Due diligence is exercised in ensuring the accuracy of the materials reproduced; • CNO is identified as the source; and • The reproduction is not represented as an official version of the materials reproduced, nor as having been made in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of, CNO. First published February 1996 as Infection Control Guidelines (ISBN 1-894557-33-6) Reprinted January 2000, October 2000, revised for Web June 2003, reprinted January 2004 as Infection Control (ISBN 1-894557-44-1) Revised June 2004, December 2005. Reprinted May 2008 (ISBN 1-897074-32-8). Updated in June 2009. Additional copies of this document may be obtained by contacting CNO’s Customer Service Centre at 416 928-0900 or toll-free in Ontario at 1 800 387-5526. College of Nurses of Ontario 101 Davenport Rd. Toronto, ON M5R 3P1 www.cno.org Ce fascicule existe en français sous le titre : La prévention des infections, n° 51002

PR ACTICE STAndARd

3

Nursing standards are expectations that contribute to public protection. They inform nurses of their accountabilities and the public of what to expect of nurses. Standards apply to all nurses regardless of their role, job description or area of practice. — College of Nurses of Ontario

All nurses, in all roles and settings, can demonstrate leadership in infection prevention and control by using their knowledge, skill and judgment to initiate appropriate and immediate infection control procedures. This practice standard describes a nurse’s role in infection prevention and control. There are six sections: standard statements and indicators that outline the basic expectations for nurses, a review of quality practice settings, case scenarios that illustrate how the standards can be applied, an appendix on infection transmission and management, a glossary of clinical terms and a reference list. Q. What is the simplest and most important practice a nurse can do to reduce contamination and spread of infection?

Introduction

Ensuring the use of safe, effective and ethical infection prevention and control measures is an important component of nursing care. This practice standard is evidence-based and outlines practice expectations for all nurses1 in all roles and practice settings. A practice standard is an authoritative statement from the College of Nurses of Ontario (the College) that sets out the professional basis of nursing practice. All standards provide a guide to the knowledge, skills, judgment and attitudes that are needed to practise safely. They describe what each nurse is accountable and responsible for in practice. Nurses are expected to be aware of College standards and relevant governmental directives concerning infection prevention and control practices. Public protection is achieved when nurses practise according to the standards. Knowledge of clinical infection control practices is continually growing and changing. While the principles of infection control (prevention, transmission and control) do not change, specific clinical practices may evolve as a result of new evidence. For this reason, this practice standard provides broad statements and does not include specific clinical practice information. A nurse is expected to consult appropriate resources for clinical advice and access resources in a timely manner. These resources may include, but are not limited to, an infection control practitioner, relevant nursing resources and guidelines from Health Canada and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.

A. Proper hand hygiene is the single mostimportant infection prevention and control practice.

1

In this document, nurse refers to a Registered Practical Nurse (RPN), Registered Nurse (RN) and Nurse Practitioner (NP).

College of Nurses of Ontario Practice Standard: Infection Prevention and Control

4

PR ACTICE STAndARd

Standard Statements
Application of evidence-based measures Nurses understand and apply evidence-based measures to prevent and control transmission of micro-organisms that are likely to cause infection.

Indicators
The nurse meets the standard by: adhering to appropriate hand hygiene protocols; using a systematic approach to care (for example, nursing process) based on current infection control principles and research; knowing her/his personal immunization status relevant to the practice setting and taking appropriate action to ensure client protection; knowing a client’s immunization status relevant to the practice setting and taking appropriate action to ensure protection of clients, others and self (for example, information, referral, isolation, etc.); taking all measures necessary to prevent the transmission of infection from the nurse to client(s) or other health care providers; seeking advice from her/his primary health care
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■







provider regarding the potential for transmission to clients or other health care providers when the nurse has a potentially transmissible disease; maintaining competence in infection control practices by accessing appropriate resources (for example, infection control practitioners, current research); taking appropriate action when a co-worker has a potentially transmissible disease; advocating for an environment and equipment that reduce the risk for disease transmission; and advocating for the establishment of and compliance with infection control policies relevant to the practice setting.

Application of professional judgment Nurses exercise professional judgment relevant to each client situation and infection prevention and control practices.

Indicators
The nurse meets the standard by: assessing situations for potential or actual infectious disease transmission; selecting and using the appropriate prevention measures when micro-organisms are likely to come into contact with the nurse’s skin, mucous membranes or clothing; modifying her/his practice appropriately when there is a risk of transmitting a disease to clients or other health care providers;
■ ■ ■





selecting, in collaboration with the health care team, the appropriate agency, manufacturer and government guidelines regarding the use and fit of personal protective equipment (PPE); and advocating for change when agency, manufacturer or government guidelines do not meet infection control requirements regarding the appropriate use and fit of PPE.

College of Nurses of Ontario Practice Standard: Infection Prevention and Control

PR ACTICE STAndARd

5

Risk reduction Nurses reduce the risk to self and others by appropriately handling, cleaning and disposing of materials and equipment.

Indicators
The nurse meets the standard by: participating in education on the use of safer medical devices and work practices relevant to the practice setting; adhering to best practices or manufacturer’s guidelines on the cleaning, disinfecting and disposal of wastes or hazardous material; using safety devices (for example, needle-less IV systems, sharps disposal containers, disposable stethoscopes, closed laundry systems) when available;
■ ■ ■



■ ■



■ ■

following established guidelines when disposing of biomedical waste; identifying hazards and the potential for injury; intervening and providing appropriate care when an exposure has occurred to client(s), self or another health care provider; reporting a breach in infection control technique and taking action to limit damage; advocating for safety devices; and advocating for changes in practice based on an evaluation or evidence (for example, single-use items).

Communication Nurses use appropriate and timely communication strategies with clients and their significant others, the health care team and the community when discussing infection prevention and control issues.

Indicators
The nurse meets the standard by: incorporating the psychosocial needs of clients and their significant others into the plan of care; using appropriate teaching strategies to communicate health information to clients; developing creative or innovative communication strategies to overcome factors that could inhibit the
■ ■ ■ ■





therapeutic nurse-client relationship (for example, isolation, masks); maintaining open communication with the health care team, including support staff; communicating safety concerns to the appropriate authority; and advocating for communication systems that protect client confidentiality.

College of Nurses of Ontario Practice Standard: Infection Prevention and Control

6

PR ACTICE STAndARd

Maintaining a Quality Practice Setting

Quality nursing care includes safe and effective infection prevention and control practices. As partners, employers and nurses have a shared responsibility to create environments that support quality practice. The College encourages employers and nurses to use the following strategies to develop and maintain a quality practice setting that supports nurses in providing safe, effective and ethical care. Care delivery processes Care delivery processes support the delivery of nursing care/services related to infection prevention and control. Possible strategies include: ensuring there is a process to make assignment decisions that recognize work load, knowledge of infectious diseases, and infection prevention and control processes; providing accessible, current infection control resources; evaluating infection control measures; consulting with nurses to identify system problems; ensuring a client-centred focus in relation to infection prevention and control processes; and supporting nurses to intervene when client safety is threatened.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Facilities and equipment The physical environment and access to equipment can support and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of infection prevention and control practices. Possible strategies include: ensuring supplies and equipment are available to support staff in infection prevention and control practices; and involving nurses in designing and implementing changes in infection prevention and control systems.
■ ■

Leadership Leadership is the process of supporting others to improve client care and services by promoting professional practice. Possible strategies include: involving nurses in planning, implementing and evaluating infection control processes; modelling the correct and appropriate use of personal protective equipment; designating a person to ensure that evidencebased infection prevention and control policies and procedures exist; and providing appropriate educational resources.
■ ■ ■ ■

Communication systems Communication systems support information sharing and decision-making about client care and services. Possible strategies include: implementing a system to promote information sharing about infection prevention and control among all health care team members; developing and maintaining effective conflict management processes; and providing opportunities for critical incident debriefing.
■ ■ ■

Organizational supports Organizations support infection prevention and control practices by using appropriate structures and processes. Possible strategies include: ensuring that infection control policies and procedures are up-to-date; and implementing health and safety programs for all staff, including programs for surveillance, treatment for contacts, screening and immunization.
■ ■

Professional development systems Professional development includes orientation and education related to infection prevention and control.

College of Nurses of Ontario Practice Standard: Infection Prevention and Control

PR ACTICE STAndARd

7

Possible strategies include: providing education on the correct use of equipment; and developing and using effective methods to inform nurses about new developments in infection prevention and control practices.
■ ■

Response systems to external demands The timely way in which an organization responds to changes in legislation, consumer demands, health care trends and government directives will impact the nurse’s ability to provide care. Possible strategies include: establishing policies to reflect government directives related to infection prevention control; and ensuring resources are available to follow emergency directives.
■ ■

College of Nurses of Ontario Practice Standard: Infection Prevention and Control

8

PR ACTICE STAndARd

Case Scenarios

These case scenarios illustrate how the principles of infection prevention and control and the standard statements in this document can be applied. They are not all-inclusive, and clinical advice should be sought from appropriate resources.

control practice. The educator highlighted the importance of using hand rinse stations located throughout the ER.

Scenario 3
Shawn is a nurse in a long-term care facility and is assigned to a client with a respiratory infection. The client is symptomatic and requires various degrees of nursing care. Shawn meets the standards and reduces the risk to the client, himself and others by: knowing that respiratory illnesses are transferred through airborne or droplet mechanisms; selecting the appropriate precautions; being sensitive to how the infection control barriers affect communication between him and his client; washing his hands before and after using personal protective equipment; adhering to hospital policies and manufacturer guidelines for the re-processing of equipment; ensuring any equipment removed from the client’s room is cleaned with an appropriate disinfectant; and advocating for equipment that remains within the client’s isolation room (not unit shared) or singleuse items (for example, disposable stethoscopes).
■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Scenario 1
Fatima, a home-visiting nurse, has a client with an open draining wound on her abdomen. A recent culture of the wound found the micro-organism Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Fatima meets the standards and reduces the risk to her client, herself and others by: identifying the mode of transmission; applying hand hygiene principles; choosing the appropriate barrier(s) to prevent and control the transmission of the micro-organism; applying the principles for safely handling, cleaning and disposing of materials and equipment; and communicating effectively according to the College’s Therapeutic Nurse-Client Relationship, Revised 2006 practice standard.
■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Scenario 2
A client enters a hospital emergency department complaining of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and a low-grade fever. As Lisa, an ER nurse, begins to assess the client, he has an episode of diarrhea. In keeping with the hospital’s protocol on infection control, Lisa puts on a pair of gloves and a gown before providing personal care and changing the bed linen. The ER is busy, and she finishes with the client by quickly disposing of the soiled laundry and removing her gloves and gown. She then begins to assess the vital signs of her next client. Lisa does not wash her hands before performing her assessment. By not washing her hands, Lisa potentially transmitted micro-organisms from one client to another, and breached the facility’s protocols on infection control. The nurse educator, who observed Lisa’s actions, reinforced that hand hygiene is the single most-important infection prevention and

College of Nurses of Ontario Practice Standard: Infection Prevention and Control

PR ACTICE STAndARd

9

Appendix

This section provides information about general infection control practices. For more information, see References on page 12 and/or consult an infection control practitioner. Transmission of infection The spread of infection requires an infectious agent — a pathogen that has the potential to cause infection. The pathogen may be viral, bacterial, fungal or parasitic. The infectious agent needs a reservoir where it can live, grow and reproduce. Reservoirs are warm, moist places. Humans, animals or the inanimate environment (for example, water, food, soil and soiled medical equipment) are potential reservoirs. Human reservoirs include individuals with an acute infectious disease, and those who are in the incubation period of the disease and asymptomatic carriers. The transmission of infection also requires a susceptible host. Susceptibility to an infectious agent varies among individuals. Factors that influence a person’s susceptibility include age; general physical, mental and emotional health; the amount and duration of exposure to the agent; and the immune status and inherent susceptibility of the individual. Factors such as a chronic debilitating disease, shock, coma, traumatic injury, surgical procedures or treatment with irradiation or immunosuppressive agents increase a person’s susceptibility to infection. How the infectious agent is transmitted from the reservoir to the susceptible host is called the mode of transmission. Transfer requires a route for the infectious agent to exit the reservoir (a portal of exit), a mode of travel to the susceptible host (a mode of transmission) and a route to enter the susceptible host (a portal of entry). An infectious agent can exit the reservoir and enter the host through various body systems (for example, respiratory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, skin lesions) and through mucous membranes.

There are five main modes of transmission. 1. Contact transmission Direct contact transmission involves contact between the infectious agent and the susceptible host. Indirect contact transmission involves contact between a susceptible host and a contaminated intermediate object such as a needle, instrument or other equipment. 2. Droplet transmission Droplet transmission involves contact of the conjunctivae or mucous membranes of the nose or mouth of a susceptible host with large particle droplets (larger than five microns) that contain an infectious agent. Droplets are released through talking, coughing or sneezing, and during procedures such as suctioning and bronchoscopy. Large particle droplets do not remain suspended in the air and generally travel less than one metre through the air. 3. vehicle transmission Food, water or medication contaminated with an infectious agent can act as a vehicle for transmission when consumed. Contaminated instruments or devices that come in contact with body tissue or the vascular system can also act as a vehicle for transmission. 4. Airborne transmission Small particle residue (five microns or smaller) of evaporated droplets may remain suspended in the air for long periods of time, or dust particles may contain an infectious agent. Infectious agents carried in this manner can be widely dispersed by air currents and can become inhaled by, or deposited on, a susceptible host in the same room or over a longer distance, depending on environmental factors. 5. vectorborne Vectors such as insects may harbour an infectious agent and transfer it to humans through bites (for example, West Nile virus).

College of Nurses of Ontario Practice Standard: Infection Prevention and Control

10

PR ACTICE STAndARd

Preventing transmission of infection Preventive practice focuses on interrupting the transmission of an infectious agent and includes four major elements. Practices will vary according to practice setting, the level of care that is being provided, and the inherent risk to the client and client population if transmission occurs. The four major elements to preventive practice are: 1. Handwashing. Handwashing is the single most-important infection prevention and control practice. It is vital that nurses follow handwashing protocols that are appropriate for their clients and facility. 2. Protective barriers. Examples of protective barriers include gloves, masks, eyewear, gowns and plastic aprons. The appropriate barrier should be used when blood, secretions or bodily fluids are likely to come in contact with the nurse’s skin or mucous membranes, or could penetrate clothing. 3. Care of equipment. This involves the appropriate disposal of waste, contaminated laundry and sharps; and the cleaning, sterilization and disinfection of equipment, instruments and devices. Nurses should follow manufacturer and facility protocols in all instances. 4. Health practices of the nurse. Nurses who believe they have been contaminated with an infectious agent should contact their primary health care provider or an occupational health department for follow-up and advice. The nurse should assess the risk of transmitting the infectious agent to others and take appropriate precautions. Nurses should also know and review their immunization status with their primary health care provider.

College of Nurses of Ontario Practice Standard: Infection Prevention and Control

PR ACTICE STAndARd

11

Glossary of Clinical Terms

Alcohol-based hand rinse: a waterless antiseptic designed for application to the hands to reduce the number of viable micro-organisms. In Canada, such preparations usually contain 70 percent ethyl alcohol. Antiseptic: a substance that destroys or stops the growth of micro-organisms on living tissue (for example, skin). Blood-borne pathogens (BBPs): viruses found in blood which produce infection, such as hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Carrier: an individual who is found to be colonized (culture-positive) for a particular organism, at one or more body sites, but has no signs or symptoms of infection. Disinfectant: a chemical agent with a drug identification number (DIN) used on inanimate (non-living) objects to kill micro-organisms. Disinfection: a process that destroys or kills some, but not all, disease-producing micro-organisms on an object or surface. Exposed: a circumstance of being in contact with an infected person or item in a manner that may allow for the transfer of micro-organisms, either directly or indirectly, to another person. Germicide: an agent that destroys micro-organisms, especially pathogenic organisms. A product with the suffix “-cide” indicates that it is an agent that destroys the micro-organism identified by the prefix (for example, virucide, fungicide, bactericide). Germicides may be used to inactivate microorganisms in or on living tissue (antiseptic) or on environmental surfaces (disinfectants). Hand hygiene: a general term that applies to handwashing, antiseptic handwash, antiseptic hand rub (for example, alcohol-based hand rinse) or surgical hand antisepsis.

Isolation: the physical separation of infected individuals from uninfected individuals for the period of communicability of a particular disease. Micro-organism: microscopic organisms such as bacteria, virus or fungus, commonly known as germs, that can cause an infection in humans. Mucous membrane: thin sheets of tissue that line various openings of the body, such as the mouth, nose, eyes and genitals. Nosocomial infection: infection acquired in a health care setting. Personal protective equipment (PPE): specialized clothing or equipment (for example, gloves, masks, protective eyewear, gowns) worn by an employee for protection against an infectious hazard. General work clothes (for example, uniforms, pants, shirts or blouses) are not intended to function as protection against a hazard and are not considered personal protective equipment. Precautions: interventions implemented to reduce the risk of transmitting micro-organisms from client to client, client to health care worker, and health care worker to client. Precautions can include gloves, masks, eye protection, gowns and client accommodations. (For more information, refer to the Health Canada publication Infection Control Guidance in a Non-Outbreak Setting.)

College of Nurses of Ontario Practice Standard: Infection Prevention and Control

12

PR ACTICE STAndARd

References

Canadian Standards Association. CSA Standard Z94.4-02, Selection, Use and Care of Respirators. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About NIOSH. Retrieved March 8, 2004, from http:// www.cdc.gov/niosh/about.html Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hand Hygiene in Health Care Settings. Retrieved November 18, 2004, from www.cdc.gov/ handhygiene/ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2002). Guidelines for hand hygiene in health-care settings: Recommendations for the healthcare infection control practices advisory committee and the HICPAC/SHEA/APIC/IDSA hand hygiene task force. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 10(51) No. RR-16 pp. 1-34. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. MRSA – Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus – Fact Sheet. Retrieved February 9, 2004, from http:// www.cdc.gov/ncidod/hip/ARESIST/mrsafaq.htm Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention. (1999). NIOSH Alert: Preventing Needlestick Injuries in Health Care Settings. Retrieved February 9, 2004, from http://www.cdc.gov/ niosh/2000-108.html Clarke, A. P. (2003). Nosocomial Infections: An Issue of Patient Safety, Part 1. Clinical Nurse Specialist: Lippincott & Wilkins, Inc. College of Nurses of Ontario. (September 2003). Ethical Decision-Making in Times of Crisis. Feature article Communiqué, 28(3), pp. 8-9. Retrieved from www.cno.org/pubs/mag/ cmqVol28no3.htm College of Nurse of Ontario. (March 2003). Hand Washing. You Asked Us Communiqué, 28(1), pp. 23. Retrieved from www.cno.org/pubs/mag/ cmqVol28no1.htm

College of Nurses of Ontario. (September 2003). Taking action in a Crisis. Feature article Communiqué, 28(3), pp. 6, 7 & 23. Retrieved from www.cno.org/pubs/mag/cmqVol28no3.htm Cozad, A., & Jones, R. (2003). Disinfection and the prevention of infectious disease. American Journal of Infection Control, (31); 243-254. Goldrick, B. (1999). Infection control programs in long-term-care facilities: Structure and process. Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, 20(11) pp. 764-769. Health Canada. (September 2001). Hospital Infection Control and Bloodborne Infective Agents. Retrieved November 18, 2003, from www.hc-sc.gc.ca Health Canada. (December 2003). Infection Control Guidance in a Non-Outbreak Setting (In the Absence of SARS) When an Individual Presents to a Health Care Institution With a Respiratory Infection. Retrieved February 10, 2004, from www.hc-sc.gc.ca Health Canada. Infection control guidelines. Hand washing, cleaning, disinfection and sterilization in health care. CCDR 1998;24S8:1-55. Health Canada. (1997). Infection Control Guidelines: Preventing the Spread of VancomycinResistant Enterococci (VRE) in Canada. Retrieved November 18, 2003, from http:// www.hc-sc.gc.ca/pphb-dgspsp/publicat/ccdrrmtc/97vol23/23s8/vrel_e.html Health Canada. (March 2002). Infection Control Guidelines: Prevention and Control of Occupational Infections in Health Care. Retrieved November 18, 2003, from www.hc-sc.gc.ca/pphb-dgspsp/ publicat/ccdr-rmtc/02vol28/28s1/index.html Health Canada. (December, 2003). Infection Control Guidelines Routine Practices and Additional Precautions for Preventing the Transmission of Infection in Health Care. Retrieved February 10, 2004, from http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/pphb-dgspsp/ publicat/ccdr-rmtc/99vol25/25s4/index.html

College of Nurses of Ontario Practice Standard: Infection Prevention and Control

PR ACTICE STAndARd

13

Health Canada. (1997). Preventing Infections Associated with Foot Care by Health Care Providers. Retrieved November 18, 2003, from www.hc-sc.gc.ca/pphb-dgspsp/publicat/ccdrrmtc/97vol23/23s8/fcindexe.html Health Canada. (1997). Preventing Infections Associated with Indwelling Intravascular Access Devices. Retrieved November 18, 2003, from www.hc-sc.gc.ca/pphb-dgspsp/publicat/ccdrrmtc/97vol23/23s8/iiadinde_e.html Health Canada. (1997). Preventing the Transmission of Bloodborne Pathogens in Health Care and Public Services Settings. Retrieved November 18, 2003, from http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/pphb-dgspsp/ publicat/ccdr-rmtc/97vol23/23s3/index.html Health Canada. (2002). Prevention and Control of Occupational Infections in Health Care. Retrieved November 18, 2003, from www.hc-sc.gc.ca/pphbdgspsp/publicat/ccdr-rmtc/02vol28/28s1/index. html Health Canada. (1999). Routine Practices and Additional Precautions for Preventing Transmission of Infection in Health Care. Retrieved November 18, 2003, from http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/pphb-dgspsp/publicat/ ccdr-rmtc/99vol25/25s4/index.html Health Care Health and Safety Association (HCHSA) (2003). Respiratory Protection Programs: Development and Implementation for the Prevention of Occupational Infections in Health and Community Care Workplaces. Retrieved February 28, 2004, from http://www.hchsa.on.ca/train/RppTrain.html Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. (2000). Public Health: The Management of AntibioticResistant Organisms (AROs) in the Home. Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines. Retrieved October 10, 2003, from www.health.gov.on.ca/ english/providers/pub/pubhealth/aroprog/aroprog. html

Ontario Home Health ARO Infection Control Guidelines. (2000). Management of Antibiotic Resistant Organisms: Fact sheet on MRSA for Health Care Providers. Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Retrieved November 18, 2003, from www.health.gov.on.ca/english/providers/ pub/pubhealth/aroprog/aro.pdf The World Health Organization. (2002). Hospital hygiene and infection control. Retrieved February 10, 2004, from http://www.who.int/docstore/water_sanitation_ health/wastemanag/ch16.htm Zoutman, D., Douglas Ford, B., Bryce, E., Gourdeau, M., Hebert, G., Henderson, E., and Paton, S. (2003). The state of infection surveillance and control in Canadian acute care hospitals. American Journal of Infection Control, 31(5) pp. 266-273.

College of Nurses of Ontario Practice Standard: Infection Prevention and Control

14

PR ACTICE STAndARd

notes:

College of Nurses of Ontario Practice Standard: Infection Prevention and Control

PR ACTICE STAndARd

15

notes:

College of Nurses of Ontario Practice Standard: Infection Prevention and Control

101 Davenport Rd. Toronto, ON M5R 3P1 www.cno.org Tel.: 416 928-0900 Toll-free in Ontario: 1 800 387-5526 Fax: 416 928-6507 E-mail: cno@cnomail.org

June 2009 41002 2009-05

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Nursing

...The Nursing Shortage Donna Burgess-Bingen Oklahoma City University Abstract Nursing is a very important part of healthcare. What can be learned through the research on the shortage of nurses? There is not just a shortage of nurses, but a problem with retaining nurses after they have graduated from school. Furthermore, how does the shortage effect nursing education. The Nursing Shortage Nursing is a crucial part of healthcare. Historically, nurses were at the bedside and monitored patients on a twenty-four hour basis. Nurses would collaborate with all aspects of the healthcare world in order to provide quality and efficient patient care. Today, the nurse’s role is continually changing with increasing responsibilities made complicated with the ongoing introduction of new-age technology. With so many recent changes and advances realized, it is not hard to imagine the predicated changes that are in store for the nursing profession in future years. Many mechanisms will come into play in the molding of nursing in the future, but a significant key component that could essentially inhibit the growth in the future of nursing lies in the impending nursing shortage. Will we be ready for this? Currently, worldwide research is being conducted in an effort to evaluate the cause of this looming challenge that we are currently facing and are likely to face in the future. Research has shown that the solution to this prolonged shortage is problematic in the sense that there are many...

Words: 1428 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Transformation of Nursing Nursing

...The Transformation of Nursing This world we live in is forever changing, everything for modern technology to healthcare. In wanting to improving health outcome and ensure that all has access to affordable healthcare the United States has transformed the healthcare system ("IOM REPORT," 2011). This transformation will impact one of the largest sectors of the healthcare workforce which are nurses. According to the IOM, the Future of Nursing report released on October 5th, 2010 its designed to “…ensure that nurses an practice to the full extent of their education and training, improve nursing education, provide opportunities for nursing to assume leadership positions and to serve as full partners in health care redesign and improvement efforts…” ("IOM REPORT," 2011, p. 1). One of the most significant change that has happen since the creation of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965 was in 2010 with the introduction of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This program will not only provide health insurance coverage for 32 million uninsured Americans but provide a seamless, affordable patient centered quality care to all ("IOM REPORT," 2011). So how will this affect nursing? Well due to all the changes, the nursing profession has to transform their practice, education and transition into the leadership role set forth. This paper will discuss all three. In order of any goal to be accomplished a strong education is the foundation. The standards of education before and after licensure must be universal...

Words: 973 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Nursing

...IOM Report on Nursing NRS-430V Lisa Arends October 11, 2015 IOM Report on Nursing Once the incorporation of the 2010 affordable care act came into existence this created a transformation within the healthcare industry. The affordable care act vision placed higher demands on patient healthcare needs that required more of nurses to be primarily involved with all aspects of patient care. This also placed more demands on nurses to become educated after they are licensed as a practicing nurse. The future of nursing was transformed to meet these demands through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation alone with the Institute of Medicine which support nursing through focusing on nursing education. The IOM (Institute of Medicine) demands that nurses are to achieve higher levels of education and this training should occur through the educational system being improved. This paper area of focus will inform you of the impact of nursing education, nursing practice, and nurses as we continue to lead in our advancing world of providing quality healthcare through technology, achieving higher education, and hands on training. IOM Impact on Education Nurses are expected to be fully knowledgeable and competent when it comes to caring for patients. The IOM (Institute of Medicine) report set forth five core competencies to be integrated in the nursing education. They are patient centered care, working with other members of the...

Words: 924 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Nursing

...Journal of Nursing Administration, 38(5), 223-229. Aiken, L.H., Clarke, S.P., Cheung, R.B., Sloane, D.M., & Silber, J.H. (2003, September 24). Educational levels of hospital nurses and surgical patient mortality, Journal of the American Medical Association, 290, 1617-1623. American Association of Colleges of Nursing (2012). 2011-2012 Enrollment and graduations in baccalaureate and graduate programs in nursing. Washington, DC: Author. American Association of Colleges of Nursing, American Organization of Nurse Executives, & National Association of Associate Degree Nursing (1995). A model for differentiated practice. Washington, DC: American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Available online at www.aacn.nche.edu/aacnpublications/position/joint-statement-academic-progression. American Association of Colleges of Nursing, American Organization of Nurse Executives, & National Association of Associate Degree Nursing (1995). A model for differentiated practice. Washington, DC: American Association of Colleges of Nursing. American Organization of Nurse Executives. (2005). Practice and education partnership for the future. Washington, DC: American Organization of Nurse Executives. Anderko, L., Robertson, J. & Lewis, P. (1999). Job satisfaction in a rural differentiated-practice setting. Journal of Nursing Connections, 12(1), 49-58. Anderko, L., Uscian, M. & Robertson, J.F. (1999). Improving client outcomes through differentiated practice: a rural nursing center...

Words: 708 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Nursing

...Nursing Shortage and the Nurse to Patient Ratio Nursing Shortage Issues and the Nurse to Patient Ratio Throughout this paper the focus is going to be on nursing and how it is affected by a growing issue of shortages. The facility where I work has been affected by a nursing shortage; this is why I chose to focus on this topic. I have seen first-hand how everyone throughout the facility is affected by the shortage. I will talk about how the facility has handled the shortage as well as the type of structural organization that the company uses that has helped to keep it afloat. I have formed a null-hypothesis and an alternate hypothesis and formed an opinion based on my research. I hope to adequately inform you of all the issues surrounding the shortages. Since I work in a skilled nursing facility I will make it my main focus. Null Hypothesis: Shortages have not played a role in in-adequate care of others. Alternate Hypothesis: Shortages have played a role in in-adequate care of others. In today’s day and age women now have more career choices; back in the day it was common for women to become nurses, but now they can be just about anything. This affects the nursing field greatly. Not only do more career choices affect the nursing ratio, but an older and aging workforce is also part of the growing shortage. Some internal factors that I have noticed affecting the facility where I work is the pay...

Words: 1726 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Nursing

...Highly Qualified Nursing Workforce Quality patient care hinges on having a well educated nursing workforce. Research has shown that lower mortality rates, fewer medication errors, and positive outcomes are all linked to nurses prepared at the baccalaureate and graduate degree levels. The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) is committed to working collaboratively to create a more highly qualified nursing workforce since education enhances both clinical competency and care delivery. This fact sheet looks at today’s nursing workforce; highlights research connecting education to outcomes; and outlines the capacity of four-year colleges to enhance the level of nursing education in the U.S. Snapshot of Today’s Nursing Workforce  According to the National Center for Health Workforce Analysis within the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), approximately 2.8 million registered nurses (RNs) are currently working in nursing (HRSA, 2013). This count reflects an increase from the last National Sample Survey of Registered Nurses conducted by HRSA in 2008 which found that 2.6 million RNs were employed in nursing (out of a population of more than 3 million licensed RNs). HRSA’s 2013 report, titled The U.S. Nursing Workforce: Trends in Supply and Education, also found that 55% of the RN workforce held a baccalaureate or higher degree. In a separate study conducted by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing and The Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers...

Words: 3029 - Pages: 13

Premium Essay

Nursing

...a professional nursing degree or an academic degree received after successfully completing a two year course of study, after which the student is qualified to take the NCEX-RN exam, when passed becomes a registered nurse. BSN is said to mean Bachelors of Science in nursing or Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing. It takes between four and five years for one to get a bachelor's degree in nursing. Associate’s degree happens to be the list level of education that is needed to enter into the graduate program as of now as a result registered nurses are encouraged to earn their BSN. It is believed that BSNs degree nurse are offered more job opportunities than AND nurses and most time nurses with a BSN is said to earn between $3000 and $8000 more annually than a nurse with just ADN. Many experts are predicting that all registered nurses will be required to have a BSN in the near future. It has been found that nursing is now very competitive and many employers are seriously in need of nurses who stand out from the group with more qualifying and higher educational level to hire. A licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN), nurse practitioner (NP) are all referred to as nurses it is only their educational qualifications and expertise that differentiate them degree (Will 2015). Differences in Competencies between ADN and BSN Nurses According to Robert J Rosseter, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the national voice for baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs...

Words: 1331 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Nursing

...Dynamics : NRS 430V June 29 , 2014 Meaning of Associate Degree Nurses versus Baccalaureate Nurses : A person can become an RN through three different routes. A 3 years Diploma program learned in hospitals. A three year ADN achieving from a community college and four year BSN from a college or university. Graduates of all these program must pass the NCLEX – RN licensing from one of the State Board of Nursing in order to work as a Registered Nurse in a hospital setting or Community Health centers or any other organizations. The main differences between all these nursing programs is the years to study in the school. ADN or Diploma Nursing programs mainly based on clinical skills and more task oriented. BSN program includes all of the course materials and practical in ADN or Diploma program. Which focus primarily the physical and social sciences, nursing research and management, public and community health. This will improve or enhances the nurses professional development, better understanding of the person, health, nursing and environment which are the main concepts in nursing. A Registered ADN or Diploma nurse works in hospital or outpatient facilities where they give direct care to the patient like administering medications, managing intravenous infusions, blood transfusions, observing and monitoring patient conditions like vital signs, maintaining health records and communicating with doctors with the updates of patient condition. Additionally they provide emotional support...

Words: 946 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Nursing

...Institute of Medicine (IOM) report: "The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health,": Transforming Practice, Transforming Education, and Transforming Leadership. Debra New Grand Cannon University September 6, 2015 The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health to understand how the 2010 Institute of Medicine (IOM) report impacts nursing we must first understand what it is. The IOM report is the result of a two-year project that was launched by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) along with the Institute of Medicine. The report presents recommendations for an action plan for the future of nursing (Institute of Medicine, 2010 p.119). The report titled the “Future of Nursing” contained research that supported a formation for the envision on the way nursing will become. The central idea was to make sure the public would receive quality, affordable care where they would feel protected. The report was designed for nurses, policy makers, government officials, insurance companies and the public, all of which have a vested interested to ensure quality, safe, cost effective health care (Holzemer, 2010 p.119). The recommended changes in these areas of nursing serve as a fundamental part of attaining the goals set forth by the Affordable Care Act(2010)...

Words: 1550 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Nursing

...Nursing, as described by the American Nurses Association, is the protection, promotion and optimization of health and abilities to prevent illnesses and injuries, alleviating suffering, through Diagnosis and treatment of human response and advocacy in care of individuals/family/communities and population. As nurses, we render care to our patients, recognizing that, as patients, they are always sick. We practice to treat, by protecting them from any further exposure that will prolong the illnesses. We promote good health by practicing infection control principles. Techniques, as the work, documented, from the pioneers, such as Florence Nightingale, our work is evidenced, by the continued decrease of hospitalization. By being educated as a nurse, we practice by using technologies learnt. As a result of the researches done, we gain that knowledge of how to prevent the spread of diseases, of how to prevent further illnesses. We promote wellness, by teaching the patients we serve, about the purpose of that particular medication. We teach and instruct them, on how the medication works, to help to cure the sickness, and the need to comply with the course of actions. Because of the knowledge gained, as a nurse to practice, we are able to help that patient, maintain their health, because, we are able to teach them that, that course of antibiotics, need to be taken for the full amount of days, even if they are feeling better. We practice the nursing process, by finding out what...

Words: 512 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Nursing

...Philosophy of Nursing Why I Chose Nursing I chose nursing as my future profession because I believe nursing to be a rewarding and challenging career choice. I believe the desire to help people through nursing is a true calling, and I feel drawn toward helping those in need. I was first drawn to the area of professional nursing when my late sister became ill and was in the hospital for many months prior to her untimely death. This experience is what ultimately led me in the direction of pursuing a nursing education. Another reason I chose nursing is because the field offers a wide variety of career opportunities. A degree in nursing allows one to teach, conduct research, or perform direct patient care. I could elect to become an administrator, work in community or home health, and even travel worldwide. I can choose to work in childbirth centers, community health, emergency departments, geriatric wellness programs, intensive care units, mental health programs, occupational health, operating rooms, nursing research, school health, substance abuse treatment programs, and many more. With the national shortage of nurses, work schedules are flexible, pay is competitive, and openings are numerous. Jobs will be waiting for me the day after graduation anywhere in the world, and I will have a profession without additional training. The Core of Nursing Practice The core of nursing practice involves numerous factors that I believe to be of vital importance to being a great nurse....

Words: 1661 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Nursing

...RUNNING HEAD: Nursing Profession Nursing Profession Nursing Profession A profession is defined as an occupation requiring special education (especially in the liberal arts or sciences). There are many characteristics that make up a profession, for example professionals are considered experts having a higher degree of knowledge and autonomous. Professionals are governed by a code of ethics such as value, quality of service, honor and integrity. A hallmark that is also acknowledged is accountability. There is typically a system in place to test out the competence of professionals. The nursing profession as a whole, through its professional and regulatory organizations, promotes advancement of nursing practice, identifies standard of practice and promotes professional development (Bassendowski & Petrucka 2009). Historically, nursing has been understood as a calling or a vocation, but modern, secular nursing has essentially understood itself as a profession and, more recently, as a practice (Liaschenko, & Peter, 2004). Although it is considered to be a profession by those in nursing, it has not been categorized as a true occupation in the sociology of professions’ literature, one of the key issues is related to the formal knowledge of nursing and the power associated with it (Yam, 2004). It has been argued that nursing does meet the professional criteria and it is a clear it does not now and never did have...

Words: 794 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Nursing

...Nursing is a unique profession in that there are numerous different types of nurses, yet they can all experience the beginning of life as well as the end of life. Both nurses in addition to community-based nurses can yield special bonds with patients and their families. To me nursing is a very worthwhile profession and to become any type of nurse is an award within itself. This paper will converse how effective the communication in nursing practice will ease a mutually satisfying therapeutic patient nurse and their family relationship. Nursing is a challenging profession and requires critical thinking and good communication skills. With the baby boomers getting older the need for nurses is more than ever. No matter the setting whether it is in the hospital or in a community, nurses receive the same reward of helping people. Nursing has come a long way since Florence Nightingale and will continue to evolve well beyond into the future. Communication mainly requires the mindful utilization of the spoken word, and even though accounting for only fifteen percent of all interpersonal communication, is the major means of stating factual information in relations among nurse, patient and patient’s family. At the same time as communication is a vital part of building the relationship among nurse, patient and patient family members it is also just as significant among nurse and coworker. A virtuous relationship is good to quality patient care, obviously both nurse and coworker have the...

Words: 1388 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Nursing

...BULLET BACKGROUND PAPER ON NURSING CAREER COUNSELING PURPOSE Air Force nursing is a non-line career field and subject to a slightly different set of commissioning and accession requirements, outlined in this paper. DISCUSSION * Air Force (AF) Contracted Nursing Students will file their Form 53 in the Fall of their senior year and indicate their Undergraduate Academic Major as Nursing. (46XX-AFSC). * During their senior year, AF contracted nurse candidates through their DETs will be contacted by an AO from Randolph AFB who works with nursing accessions; Maj Laura Jones is the POC for members who have chosen the nursing track Med/Surg; Maj Toneka Machado for OB. * About six months from graduation date, they’ll be notified of their future permanent duty station assignment or within the assignment cycle of when they graduate. In other words, if a member graduates in May their assignment will be worked in the Summer AFPC assignments cycle which is Jan-March. In the past, some AOs worked more than a year out but due to our changing environment in the bedded facilities we are no longer making assignments more than 6 mos. from graduation. * Nurses then graduate with their BS in Nursing and prepare for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) developed two licensure examinations, the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) and the National Council Licensure...

Words: 706 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Nursing

...unique position as a profession dominated historically by women means that while gender balance has been sought in professions once closed to women, nursing has made little effort to do the same. Men have equality of access, so it would be wrong to paint this as discrimination. But is that enough when there has been a failure to challenge the view of nursing as a woman’s job? Allied health professions have made strides towards equality, yet nursing still uses the titles ‘matron’ and ‘sister’. Archaic practices Even in training, archaic practices continue. One university restricts its best nursing student award to female students. Is it any wonder just 10% of UK nurses are men and many wards remain staffed entirely by women? Women make up 90% of nursing students. Is it right in 2016 for wards that treat male patients (in some cases exclusively) to have no male nurses? Is it truly patient-centred care to have a profession so far removed from its patient demographic? Every year across the UK women apply in droves to enter nursing, and the issues that put off their male counterparts are not being addressed. It is essential that male recruits are encouraged from an early age, and the outdated attitudes that stop men pursuing a career in nursing are challenged. Other professions have changed while nursing has rested on its laurels. Physiotherapy has gone from 5% men to 20%, and while in primary schools only 12% of teachers are men, one in fi ve teaching...

Words: 362 - Pages: 2