Key Points
- Traveling nurses can share knowledge gained from using effective IC practices.
On October 8, the Joint Commission, the American Hospital Association (AHA), Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America,
and Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology released a compendium of strategies for preventing dangerous hospital-acquired
infections (HAIs). Specifically, the compendium aims to prevent staph, C. difficile, ventilator-associated pneumonia, bloodstream infections caused by central-line catheters, and urinary tract and surgical
site infections.
"As of today, the nation's infection control team has a common 'play book'—one that harnesses the latest authoritative information
in a clear and concise manner for everyone's benefit . . . especially the patient," says AHA President and CEO Rich Umbdenstock.
In an editorial published by The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, authors Nalini Singh, MD, MPH; Patrick J.
Brennan, MD; and Michael Bell, MD, point out "prevention of HAI is at the heart of patient safety."
Many of the guidelines have been in existence for years, but have lacked adherence. Now, core and supplemental staff are required
to be more vigilant about everyday tasks, such as hand washing and marking the correct sites for surgical procedures. During
shift changes, nurses must clearly communicate more information to coworkers, like which patients are prone
to falls. High-risk medications, such as heparin, should be obviously labeled to prevent mix-ups. When preparing for a procedure,
surgical technicians should routinely tally blades and sponges and cover the surgeon's tray with a "time out" prompt.
As a traveling healthcare provider, you not only can adhere to these recommendations, but also share the additional knowledge
you've gained through encountering a large number of effective IC practices when working in a variety of practice settings.
Legislative Corner
Mental health advocated
The House and Senate recently passed, and the President signed into law on October 3, mental health parity and addiction legislation.
Known as the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (HR 6983), it requires health plans offering mental health coverage to provide the same benefits for mental illness as they do for
other medical conditions. Under this legislation, employers can offer more comprehensive coverage without significant additional
cost and participants will have less out-of-pocket expense.
Did You Know...
Top choices for fall foliage are:
1. Lenox, Massachusetts
2. Menton, Alabama
3. Eureka Springs, Arkansas
4. Fraser, Colorado
5. Greenville, Maine
6. Blue Ridge, Georgia
7. Point Lookout, Montana
Source: http://www.BedandBreakfast.com/. (2008, August 7). B&Bs offer more than one place to peep a leaf—on one tank of gas. Retrieved October 2, 2008, from http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/about/press.aspx?year=2008&article=08072008/
