This observance aligns perfectly with flu and respiratory virus season, a timely reminder forfacilities and individuals to take simple, effective steps to reduce the spread of illness.Beyond seasonal viruses, nursing homes also face ongoing risks from infections such as C.diff, UTIs, MRSA, Norovirus, and more.

CMS requires every nursing home to have a dedicated, specially trained infectionpreventionist nurse. At Specialty, we’d like to reinforce some of the basic yet essentialpractices that make a lasting impact on infection prevention.

Below are key elements that should be included in every infection prevention program orpolicy:

Leadership and Support

• Identify key personnel, including a designated infection prevention nurse withspecialized training and clear leadership support.

Training and Education

• Create ongoing training programs and weave them into daily routines throughreminders, posters, and short videos.

Hand Hygiene

• It seems simple, but hand hygiene is often overlooked in busy care settings. Follow CDCguidelines for proper technique and duration, and remember to wash before and afterevery patient interaction.

Standard Precautions

• Apply standard precautions for every patient, every time. These include proper handhygiene, environmental cleaning, safe injection practices, medication administrationsafety, and risk assessment to minimize exposure.

Enhanced Barrier Precautions

• Use PPE such as gowns and gloves during any high-contact activity involving residentswith wounds, in-dwelling medical devices (like feeding tubes or central lines), orknown/suspected infections. These precautions should continue throughout theresident’s stay.

Environmental Precautions

• Maintain detailed cleaning and disinfection policies for all high-touch surfaces andpatient areas, including medication carts and treatment equipment.

Medication Preparation and Administration Safety

• Always prepare medications in clean areas away from potential contaminants. Disinfectvials before injections and follow strict safety protocols for needle use and disposal.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Ensure proper PPE selection based on the type of care being provided. Use gloves formost interactions and gowns, masks, and goggles when there’s a risk of contact withbodily fluids. Always remove and discard PPE in designated areas — and never reuse it.

Family and Caregiver Education

• Provide infection prevention materials for family members and visitors. Education helpseveryone play a part in reducing risk.

Transmission-Based Precautions

• Understand how different infections spread — through fluids, air, or contact — and applythe appropriate additional precautions for each.

Surveillance Programs

• Regularly audit infection prevention efforts, track outcomes, and update programs asnew information and best practices emerge.