As the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issue new guidelines and protocols for the handling and care of patients who test positive for Ebola, we are working to keep nurses informed with the most accurate information and to collaborate with our hospitals to ensure that all healthcare professionals have the training and equipment they need to provides excellent care to patients and ensure the highest levels of safety for the public and themselves.
We are evaluating each facility’s plan and taking steps to ensure frontline staff are protected. We are also working closely with management to ensure compliance with updated guidelines. If nurses determine that a facility’s plan is lacking in sufficient safeguards and training, we will take the appropriate steps to secure the changes needed to protect caregivers and patients.
The Nurse Alliance of SEIU Pennsylvania is also planning additional educational sessions to make sure nurses have the facts (not the myths) of the virus and are clear on the proper safety protocols and standards.
On Tuesday, Oct. 21, SEIU 1199 United Healthcare Workers East partnered with the Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA) and the Partnership for Quality Care to hold an Ebola education session for healthcare professionals.
You can see a demonstration of the correct way to put on and remove Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) here:
You can view an informative presentation by Capt. Arjun Srinivasan, MD, of the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases here.
You can hear the Q&A session following the educational forum here. [Please note: the conference was held in New York City and some information regarding state and local regulations may not apply to Pennsylvania or other states.]
The Nurse Alliance of SEIU Pennsylvania will continue to monitor the situation, work with healthcare facilities and local, state and federal agencies, and inform our nurses and other healthcare providers of changes and updates to information, procedures and protocols regarding Ebola.