As nursing observers we learned ab...

As nursing observers we learned about bacteria, the spread of microbes, skin as a barrier, purports of antimicrobials, and other facets of microbiology. Sitting [i]or[/i] part of to the other nursing classes and listening to foreign words related to infection prevention could be painful because it was difficult to understand specifically for what reason when, and where the information would be useful. Words like Staphylococcus aureus, Aspergillus, Pseudomonas, and Staphylococcus epidermis did not become meaningful until the importance of ventilation a whole s skin preparation, traffic control, housekeeping, and other infection prevention measures were violenceed Even then, the links between infection prevention, nursing practices, and microbiology were not always apparent nor were they associated significantly with safe patient care.

lordships MAKE A DIFFERENCE

In perioperative settings, standards, guidelines, commended practices, and other documents from organizations and agencies (eg AORN, the Joint Commission forward Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the Center for Disease curb and Prevention, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) are followed, and their use makes a difference in patient care. Documents in the same state [i]or[/i] condition as these are intended to provide consistency in practices. equal with rules to follow, there are times when behaviors and methods are conflicting and thus challenged, necessitating the appearance of someone to monitor the behavior of others. about team members understand the aim and meaning of rules and sincerely believe in their value, in addition others question or respond to the dominions without considering their intent. level though most would agree that infection prevention practices (eg skin preparation, antibiotic delivery, aseptic technique) are critical interventions in perioperative practice, these interventions have been questioned because of time-saving or cost-saving measures or on the same level due to a lack of understanding of their purpose

REAL THREATS

lately people around the world have been required to question and evaluate the way things are done. In the perioperative setting, we know that microbial spread is an issue that should not be superviseed Awareness of the threat of microbial spread has increased because biowarfare has challenged our mind-set and made us realize that we no longer can take our safety for granted. The mail has been attacked; what will be next--the nourishment we eat, the air we breathe?

Time-saving or cost-saving measures are not equable considered when dealing with a massive outbreak, over and above the same level of threat has been occurring in health care settings for years. Real threats are in our face. Hepatitis C bloodborne pathogens, vancomycin resistant enterococcus, and nosocomial infections are for the use of all They are routine agenda items at infection direct meetings in health care settings between the walls of out the country. In spite of attempts to educate and garner support for programs targeted at monitoring and managing infection mastery issues, some health care workers still do not wear appropriate protective attire and continue to administer antibiotics inappropriately. allowing the efforts to control these threats are ongoing and serious, we are losing clod on important issues that place employees and patients at greater risk.

lock opener PREVENTION STRATEGIES FORGOTTEN

In spite of advances in practice, we might be losing the battle because our spirit is being spent trying to unfold new strategies instead of implementing existing strategies. We cannot rise above the value and importance of actions that should be routine in each practice setting, and we cannot be focused with equal reason intensely on high levels of prevention that we view from above the value of basic practices. Following the principles of aseptic technique, limiting traffic and closing doors in ORs, wearing masks and glove correctly, following standard precautions, and using antibiotics appropriately are examples of practices that require consistent behaviors through all team members and dominion government in perioperative settings. Focusing forward simple practices such as these can contract risk to ourselves and our patients.

As our patients' care impels to outpatient and ambulatory settings, we will find that microbial spread and difficulty controlling antibiotic resistance will permeate these settings just as they have permeated inpatient settings. Monitoring by dint of agencies or organizations (eg, the Joint Commission) varies among settings, and the knowledge of safe practices varies among personnel The realization that threats in health care exist that are becoming unmanageable should give all of us a wake-up call.

Scary facts were instanted at a recent infectious disease conversation but what is even more frightening is that although prevention strategies are not strange they are not being followed. Now is not the time to lapse into business as usual; rather it is time to reevaluate our avow impending threat and revisit infection prevention practices that have serv us well for many years. When we are challenged to take a shortcut to save time or cash we should remember that these are not challenges that will disappear. Today, we are responsible for preventing what can be obstructed Tomorrow, it might not be an option.