Infection Control Nurses, Essay Example

The role of an infection control nurse during a disaster involves differentiating between disaster and terrorism as well as intentional incidents from accidents. They are to value members of the disaster team for their professionalism; evaluate incidences of conventional and non-conventional terrorism. Also, infection control nurses are expected to apply strategies in containing chemical biological and nuclear terrorist agents as well as frequently analyzing past disaster event for relevant strategic applications to the present situation (Smith, 2010).

In executing these functions a toolkit was devised consisting of five important resources, which the infection control nurse could apply during a disaster. They are the use of fact sheets in identifying the extent of infections; designing posters and other information disseminating materials for kids/ schools/nurseries; executing a faith-based emergency plan, educating individuals and family in preparation for disaster outcomes (Veenema, 2007).

Center for Disease Control (CDC) has issued guidelines for an infection control nurse to maintain a fact sheet during any disaster. It encompasses instructing residents to clean, disinfect and practice proper hygiene in an effort to limit the growth of viruses, bacteria, mildew and mold. Next is communicating to survivors the need for seeking immediate medical attention should they are injured during the disaster; become ill due to some contamination or cannot cope with stress of being victims of a disaster (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013).

An important feature on the infection control disaster fact sheet is preventing carbon dioxide poisoning. Consequently, the community is advised to use devices/ substances/equipment such as generators, camp stoves, gasoline, natural gas, charcoal; grills or pressure washers in an open space away from their homes or open windows, open vents and doors since the poisonous gas could enter through these openings. Importantly the fact sheet must itemize the necessity of drinking enough fluids in order to keep cool avoiding heat related incidences (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013).

Works cited

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fact Sheet: Prevent Illness After a Disaster. CDC. 2013. Print

Smith, J. Mass Causality: Are you prepared? Nursing. 2010. Print.

Veenema, T. G. Disaster nursing and emergency preparedness. For chemical, biological, and radiological terrorism and other hazards. (3nd ed.). New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company 2007. Print