Ebola–RNs Call for Highest Standards for Protective Equipment, including Hazmat Suits and Training

[Omaha Steve]

The nurses at Presbyterian Hospital that treated the first patient were not union. Now we know the results.

OS


http://www.nationalnursesunited.org/press/entry/ebola-rns-call-for-highest-standards-for-protective-equipment-including-haz/



Bonnie Castillo, RN, director, NNU’s disaster relief program, Registered Nurse Response Network, speaks at a press conference.

National Nurses United Press Release, 10/12/14

Contact Information | Media Center

2,000 RNS ACROSS U.S. SAY HOSPITALS STILL LAGGING

Following news Sunday that the first U.S. nurse has now tested positive for the deadly Ebola virus, National Nurses United called for all hospitals to have in place the highest standard of optimal protections, including Hazmat suits, and hands-on training to protect all RNs, other hospital personnel to confront Ebola.

“There is no standard short of optimal in protective equipment and hands-on-training that is acceptable,” said RoseAnn DeMoro, executive director of National Nurses United, the largest U.S. organization of nurses.

“Nurses and other frontline hospital personnel must have the highest level of protective equipment, such as the Hazmat suits Emery University or the CDC themselves use while transporting patients and hands on training and drills for all RNs and other hospital personnel, that includes the practice putting on and taking off the optimal equipment,” DeMoro said Sunday.

NNU will host a national call-in conference call Wednesday with nurses across the U.S. to discuss concerns about U.S. hospital readiness for Ebola.

FULL story at link.

[DustyJoe]

1. Wow

And the govt sent over 3,000 of our sons and daughters into the middle of the west African hellhole with how much of this 'specialized protective equipment' and how much training ? I fear we will never see or hear from these 3,000 again. These young warriors were sent to battle an insidous invisible enemy virtually bare handed.

[riverwalker]

2. I trust the Army more than Hospital administrators

Army is trained in Biohazards. I have family going to Liberia with Army, they will be ok.

HOWEVER, what is pretty amazing is that a non-union hospital had to turn to a labor union for guidance and protection. Not the ANA, the AMA, or AHA. The Union (my union), the NNU.
Pretty darn amazing.

[KittyWampus]

3. If you have any other thoughts about the situation, I'd love to hear :-)

Good to hear from nurses on DU. Learn a lot.

[seveneyes]

4. Let's also have them not fly around the country after handling Ebola patients

For at least a few weeks anyway.