Hospital Acquired Infections Essay Example for Free

Hospital Acquired Infections Essay The State of Illinois has several guidelines and activities in place as techniques to prevent nosocomial infections. In Illinois, Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC), is charged with providing advice and guidance to the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services; the Director, CDC and the Director of the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID), regarding the practice of hospital infection control and strategies for surveillance, prevention, and control of healthcare-associated infections. Antimicrobial resistance and related events in settings where healthcare is provided, including hospitals, ambulatory, long-term care facilities, and home health agencies, (HCIPAC, 2008) There are certain guidelines that need to be followed when working as a nurse in the state of Illinois. There are guidelines to prevent nosocomial infections when it comes to things like, hand washing techniques, urinary catheterization insertion, and so many more practices and procedures. Performing hand hygiene immediately before and after any manipulation of the catheter device or site. Ensure that only properly trained persons (e.g., hospital personnel, family members, or patients themselves) who know the correct technique of aseptic catheter insertion and maintenance are given this responsibilities. In the acute care hospital setting, insert urinary catheters using aseptic technique and sterile equipment must be adhered to in order to prevent hospital acquired infections; (AM J Infect Control,1983) Hand washing is very important when working in healthcare in the hospital setting. When hands are visibly dirty or contaminated with percutaneous material, or are visibly soiled with blood or other body fluids, wash hands with either a non-antimicrobial soap and water or an antimicrobial soap and water,(Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol,1988). If hands are not visibly soiled, use an alcohol-based hand rub for routinely decontaminating hands. Alternatively, wash hands with an antimicrobial soap and water in all clinical situations. Wash hands before having direct contact with all patients.