With regard to how we as nurses need to protect ourselves, what I’m learning is that these protocols and workflows are changing as we speak. What we thought was appropriate and adequate may have been incorrect, as evidenced by the two nurses who contracted the disease.
I don’t believe either of the nurses involved broke any protocols. I speculate the widow of vulnerability occurred somewhere with the donning or doffing process. It seems that most facilities are now taking a very proactive approach by what I’d call “over-protecting” their healthcare workers. Which I think is the right decision.
From the CDC: Information for Healthcare Workers and Settings
In reference to the “reality” of personal protective equipment (PPE) use in the healthcare setting, we know all too well how ineffective PPE can be. I recently read two articles that bear mentioning regarding this notion of nurses “breaking protocol.” Both are well written and what I consider a worthwhile read:
Finally, a piece of good news regarding the first nurse diagnosed with Ebola.
As of my writing this post, more information has surfaced, so please be diligent and continue to view all the information presented to you with a degree of scrutiny.
Take care of yourselves and yours.
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