1,700 registered nurses in 35 states in the National Nurses United organization were surveyed about their hospitals preparedness on the Ebola issue. Sadly, the response is lagging.
Death of First Ebola Patient Heightens Concern - Latest Survey Results from 1,700 RNs in 35 states
Current findings show:
- 76 percent still say their hospital has not communicated to them any policy regarding potential admission of patients infected by Ebola
- 85 percent say their hospital has not provided education on Ebola with the ability for the nurses to interact and ask questions
- 35 percent say their hospital has insufficient current supplies of eye protection (face shields or side shields with goggles) for daily use on their unit; 36 percent say there are insufficient supplies of fluid resistant/impermeable gowns in their hospital
- 39 percent say their hospital does not have plans to equip isolation rooms with plastic covered mattresses and pillows and discard all linens after use; only 8 percent said they were aware their hospital does have such a plan in place
NNU is calling for all U.S. hospitals to immediately implement a full emergency preparedness plan for Ebola, or other disease outbreaks. That includes:
- Full training of hospital personnel, along with proper protocols and training materials for responding to outbreaks, with the ability for nurses to interact and ask questions.
- Adequate supplies of Hazmat suits and other personal protective equipment.
- Properly equipped isolation rooms to assure patient, visitor, and staff safety.
- Proper procedures for disposal of medical waste and linens after use.
If it's true that nurses are simply being given a printout from the CDC website or being referred to the CDC website, that is not enough action.
I agree with National Nurses United. Let's get really honest with the details of potential transmission of Ebola, MRSA and other viruses with a quick response.
It may save lives today and tomorrow.
It may save lives today and tomorrow.
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