Communicable Diseases and Nurse Assistants

Communicable diseases are those that can be passed from person to person. Human waste, including saliva, stools, urine, blood, and other bodily fluids, spreads communicable diseases. Nursing Assistants are encouraged to wash their hands more frequently than the general public. Nursing Assistants come into regular contact with patients' bodily fluids, which is the most common way they become infected with communicable diseases. Most medical facilities provide communicable disease training to all new employees. While it is extremely rare, there have been reports of Nursing Assistants contracting HIV and other potentially fatal diseases.

Communicable diseases are those that can be passed from person to person. The common cold, tuberculosis, the flu, HIV, herpes, measles, chicken pox, lice, and strep throat are among them. Both of these are extremely contagious. Those who already have medical issues have a difficult time fighting off anything else, making them especially vulnerable.

Human waste, including saliva, stools, urine, blood, and other bodily fluids, spreads communicable diseases. Droplets of air from the nose and mouth are also common transmitters.

Because communicable diseases can quickly spread if not properly contained, it is everyone's responsibility to do everything possible to maintain their own health. Washing your hands frequently is a great place to start. Most germs are destroyed by soap and water. Nursing Assistants are encouraged to wash their hands more frequently than the general public because they are in constant contact with others.

It is your responsibility as a Nurse Assistant to notify your supervisor immediately if you develop symptoms of any communicable disease. They can then decide on a strategy. It may be advised that you refrain from reporting to work until the communicable disease has passed. Depending on the disease, you may be able to continue working while wearing a respirator to avoid spreading it to others. In some cases, it may be necessary to notify the health department.

Antibiotics can treat some communicable diseases, such as strep throat. Others, such as the common cold, will need to run their course. You can help by washing your hands, taking your vitamins, staying up to date on all immunizations, and getting an annual flu shot.

Understanding these diseases is an important part of the Nursing Assistant program. Most medical facilities provide communicable disease training to all new employees. In addition, there is ongoing training. Preventing the spread of communicable diseases is critical in any workplace, but it is especially critical in a medical setting.

Each medical agency will have its own set of processes and procedures in place to deal with the spread of communicable diseases. Make sure you are well-versed in recognizing them, recognizing the onset, and knowing how to handle each type of situation. Epidemics of communicable diseases necessitate the implementation of emergency procedures. It is critical that your organization train all of its employees in this area as well.

Nursing Assistants come into regular contact with patients' bodily fluids, which is the most common way they become infected with communicable diseases. When performing tasks such as changing soiled bedding and clothing and emptying bedpans, you should always wear rubber gloves. It is also critical to use a sterile disinfectant when cleaning. If you get bodily fluids on you, wash the area immediately with soap and water and then report the incident. What happened and what bodily fluids you came into contact with must be included in your report.

Many people are unaware of the dangers of communicable diseases. Nursing Assistants must conduct their own research to ensure that they fully understand the health risks associated with coming into contact with communicable diseases. While it is extremely rare, there have been reports of Nursing Assistants contracting HIV and other potentially fatal diseases.