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JoelPeterGrant
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Speed
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.
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.
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 conf lict management processes; and
- providing opportunities for critical incident debriefing.
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 evidence- based infection prevention and control policies and procedures exist; and
- providing appropriate educational resources.
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.
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.