Infection Control Policy

It is the intent of the ADN Program to promote quality patient care and safety for patients, students, staff, and faculty. Faculty and students will utilize CDC recommended guidelines for universal precautions on all patients, at all times, and when handling blood and body fluids. The RN faculty believe that caring for patients with communicable diseases is a moral and ethical duty of the nurse and students will be required to care for patients with these types of diseases. To ensure the greatest possible student protection, faculty will instruct students in both the clinical and simulated laboratory areas on the appropriate measures and proper use of personal protection equipment to be used to prevent cross contamination. If a student is sick or possibly contagious, they are to notify the clinical instructor who will evaluate whether or not the student can safely attend clinical. 

The CDC’s infection control guidelines include the following points: 

• Perform Hand Hygiene.

• Use Standard Precautions for blood and body fluids with all clients.

• Use Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) whenever there is an expectation of possible exposure to infectious material.

• Follow respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette principles.

• Use gloves before touching mucous membranes, broken skin, blood, or other body fluids. Wear a gown and protective eye wear or a face shield during procedures likely to generate body fluid droplets or cause splashing. 

• Immediately wash your hands after removing gloves. Wash your hands when they become soiled and between clients. Thorough hand washing remains the best safeguard against spreading infection.

• Take special care to avoid injuring yourself with needles and other sharp instruments. Never break or recap a needle. Always place the syringe and needle in a puncture-resistant container.

• Don’t give direct client care or handle client care equipment if you have open skin lesions or weeping dermatitis.

• Properly handle, clean, and disinfect patient care equipment.

• Always carry a pair of gloves in your pocket when on duty, should an emergency need arise.

• All contaminated linens, dressings, food utensils, and bodily secretions are to be disposed of according to institutional policy.