As you go through your program you will hear about Standard precautions pertaining to Isolation process. You will maintain these protocols for the care of all patients with the assumption that they can be potentially infectious and contagious. You are protecting yourself and other patients on your units. We spoke about Hand washing as the most effective way to prevent any spread of infection, but there are times you will need to wear the proper gear to take care of someone.
There are several types of Isolation Categories and I will highlight and help you understand a little more. I will also give you the proper way to put on and take off your PPE.
Contact Isolation Precautions has two colors that we were taught:
Yellow Brown Sign is for Clostridium difficile or called C Diff. This is spread through feces. The signs will tell you what you need to wear. You will always perform handwashing with soap and water after taking care of the patient. Highly contagious. You will wear a gown and gloves.
Green Sign is for wound infections. Hear you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizing agent for hand hygiene after removing gloves. Here you will wear gown and gloves as needed for the type of wound infection present.
Airborne Precautions are for patients who have Tuberculosis. These patients are in a negative pressure room. Engineering department are responsible every day to ensure the room is at the correct pressure for the facility protocol. You will perform hand hygiene with soap and water, or a hand sanitizing gel. The must here is that you will need to wear an N95 mask that is mandatory and you must be fitted for the correct size based on the shape of your face. If you are a male Nursing assistant with facial hair you will have to speak with the powers that be, if you are allowed to be fit tested. It is hard to get an accurate fit to your face for protection. In all facilities if you need to wear this type of mask you must be fit tested yearly. These masks protect you against airborne particles. A surgical mask will not be appropriate for this type of isolation. You must never borrow another coworker’s mask either.
Droplet Precautions are for patients who have influenza (Flu) or Covid. Hand washing with soap and water. You may use the hand sanitizing gels. You will wear a surgical mask when in contact. This category is for the spread of infection through coughing, sneezing and even talking in close proximity.
When you are working you will always receive report from your team leader and the necessary information to help take care of your patents with the highest quality of care in mind and protection to yourselves.
The Proper way to put on and take off your Personnel Protective Gear (PPE).
DONNIG: Applying of your PPE
- Gown
- N95Mask/ or surgical mask depending on the type of isolation
- Goggles/Face Shield
- Your gloves must cover over the wrists of your gowns.
DOFFING: Removing of your PPE
- Gloves
- Gowns
- Goggles/Face Shield
- Surgical Mask
- N95 Masks are removed when you exit the isolation room
