Ensuring Safety for Health Facility Personnel

Table of Contents

Introduction
Discussion
Conclusion
References

Introduction

Ensuring safety for health facility personnel is critical as they are at the forefront of disease control. In the context of epidemics and pandemics, the number of threats is growing, and administrations must take additional security measures. Nurse managers play a significant role in safety, as their responsibilities include selecting and training nurses according to existing standards and procedures, coordinating and supporting staff, and being accountable to the administration (Nurse manager, 2021).

Discussion

Despite considerable efforts made by managers and other employees, dangerous incidents can occur. For example, in 2014, a nurse contracted the Ebola virus from a patient, although she wore the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) (Cohen et al., 2014). In this case, the nurse manager faces three key issues to address: a case investigation for compliance with established PPE protocols, checking PPE quality and availability for staff, and training nurses.

When using PPE, personnel follow the protocols and procedures established for their safety. When dealing with patients infected with the Ebola virus, regulations include equipment usage rules, special orders for donning and doffing in the presence of an observer, and other issues (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2022). Since proper PPE handling is critical to staff safety, the manager needs to initiate an investigation of the incident and verify that all procedures have been followed. Based on the analysis, the manager will provide a report to the administration, where possible violations will be indicated. The investigation is also necessary to prevent potential errors and ensure the safety of personnel in the future.

The manager is also responsible for organizing and providing resources to personnel. PPE to work with Ebola patients should include masks, respirators, impermeable and fluid-resistant gowns and covers, gloves, shoe covers, and shields (CDC, 2022). The manager must ensure that the necessary protection is available to the personnel and meets the quality requirements. In case of damage or other problems, the employees should contact the manager to resolve the issue (A comprehensive guide, 2021). As a result of the check, the manager will be able to inform the administration about the PPE condition and improve the security of subordinates.

Training in action when dealing with Ebola patients and using PPE is essential to safety. Nurse managers are responsible for organizing employee training and reducing anxiety in using PPE (A comprehensive guide, 2021; Jen et al., 2022). Nurses should know procedures related to PPE and precautions in interactions with patients. In the case of an employee infection incident, the manager needs to identify the learning needs and provide the necessary education.

Conclusion

Thus, epidemics of dangerous diseases provide an additional risk to health facility staff, and managers significantly contribute to ensuring their safety. When despite the PPE use, an infection occurs, the manager needs to organize additional training and check compliance with the established rules for PPE and equipment availability and quality. With such measures, the manager will be able to be accountable to the administration and, at the same time, ensure the safety of employees.