Nursing Assistant Certification Course

Week 8: Infection Control and Safety

Duration: 3 hours

I. Standard Precautions and Hand Hygiene (1 hour)
   A. Principles of Standard Precautions
      1. Overview of standard precautions
         Example: Standard precautions are infection control practices designed to prevent the transmission of infectious agents through contact with blood, body fluids, non-intact skin, and mucous membranes.
      2. Application of standard precautions in healthcare settings
         Example: Nursing assistants should follow standard precautions when providing patient care, regardless of the patient's known or suspected infection status.
   B. Hand Hygiene in Healthcare
      1. Importance of hand hygiene
         Example: Proper hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings.
      2. Techniques for effective handwashing and hand sanitizing
         Example: Nursing assistants should use soap and water to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds, making sure to cover all surfaces, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if hands are not visibly soiled.

II. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (1 hour)
   A. Types of PPE in Healthcare
      1. Common PPE used in healthcare settings: Gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection
         Example: Gloves should be worn when contact with blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, or non-intact skin is anticipated.
      2. Proper selection and use of PPE
         Example: Nursing assistants should choose PPE based on the type of exposure anticipated, such as using a gown to protect clothing from splashes or a mask to prevent the inhalation of infectious particles.
   B. Donning and Doffing PPE
      1. Correct sequence for putting on (donning) PPE
         Example: The proper sequence for donning PPE is to put on the gown, mask or respirator, goggles or face shield, and then gloves.
      2. Correct sequence for removing (doffing) PPE
         Example: When doffing PPE, nursing assistants should remove gloves first, followed by the gown, eye protection, and finally the mask or respirator.

III. Environmental Safety and Emergency Procedures (1 hour)
   A. Maintaining a Safe Healthcare Environment
      1. Strategies for minimizing environmental hazards
         Example: Keeping walkways clear of clutter, promptly cleaning spills, and securing electrical cords can help prevent falls and other accidents.
      2. Proper handling and disposal of sharps and other hazardous materials
         Example: Nursing assistants should dispose of used needles and other sharps in designated sharps containers to prevent accidental injuries and the spread of infections.
   B. Emergency Procedures in Healthcare Settings
      1. Recognizing and responding to emergency situations
         Example: Nursing assistants should be familiar with emergency codes and procedures in their workplace, such as the steps to take in case of a fire or a patient's sudden deterioration.
      2. Role of the nursing assistant during emergencies
         Example: In an emergency, nursing assistants should remain calm, follow established protocols, and assist the healthcare team as directed, while prioritizing patient safety.

Upon completing Week 8, students will have gained a thorough understanding of infection control practices and safety measures in healthcare settings. This knowledge will enable them to provide care in a manner that minimizes the risk of infection transmission and ensures a safe environment for both patients and healthcare providers.