August 17th, 2020
COVID-19 Screening Policy
Due to the unprecedented challenges faced in containing the COVID-19 virus. Compassionate Healthcare Nursing Services goal is to mitigate this risk to its valued clients and nursing professionals. This has become necessary for the agency to develop updated policies to support this goal. Therefore, all nursing professionals who actively provide direct patient care or seek employment with the Agency are strongly encouraged to be tested and cleared for COVID19. Furthermore, ongoing monthly screening is strongly recommended for continued safety. The agency shall stay abreast on updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to reevaluate the screening frequency.
It is important to note that the Agency has received several requests from clients and families demanding that the above steps be followed. Others will not allow anyone to provide direct care in the client’s home without COVID 19 clearance.
While we realize that this may pose an inconvenience to many, we firmly believe it is a step in the right direction in maintaining a safe work environment.
Compassionate Healthcare management wants to thank you all for your unwavering support, dedication, and understanding during this difficult time.
Compassionate Healthcare Nursing
is aware of growing concerns regarding the Coronavirus (“COVID-19”) and wants to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone. While there are no known cases of COVID-19 among any of our clients, employees and associates, we are taking proactive measures in providing awareness/education regarding this virus to include background information as well as best practice guidelines.
Background Information
Definition: COVID-19 is a disease caused by a respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in December 2019. COVID-19 is a new virus that has not caused illness in humans before. Worldwide, this virus has resulted in thousands of infections, causing illness and in some cases death. Cases have spread to countries throughout the world, with more cases reported daily.
How does COVID-19 spread? It is transmitted like the cold or flu through the following modes:
• Coughing and sneezing, which creates respiratory droplets which can infect others in close contact
• Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands with an infected person
• Touching an object or surface that is contaminated with the virus, and then touching your nose, eyes and mouth.
What are the Symptoms of COVID-19?
• Fever ,Coughing and Shortness of breath
• In more severe cases, pneumonia (Infection in the lungs),Lung lesions and in some cases death
Who are at greatest risk of contracting COVID-19 and what should be done if you have Flu-like Symptoms?
The vast majority of people recover from this infection. Most people will have mild or moderate symptoms.
Older people and those with pre-existing medical conditions have a greater risk for more serious illness.
Self-quarantine and exercising infection control practices listed below is recommended if you have Flu-like symptoms.
For respiratory distress and severe symptoms, please call your doctor or the emergency room for instructions on where to go to get tested and receive treatment.
How can we protect ourselves from contracting the virus?
• Hand washing is key. Please wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Practice social distancing between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick such as those with chronic health conditions and compromised immune systems
(The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2020.)
• Other preventive measures include using gloves as needed, clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using standard cleaning practices and if you are sick, stay home, except when seeking medical care.
• Furthermore, to prevent /limit potential spread of this virus, Compassionate Healthcare will remove any nursing personnel with known flu-like symptoms from the schedule.
Staffing will be a critical issue for Compassionate Healthcare Nursing Services, and we ask that nursing personnel work their schedule except if they have flu-like symptoms at which time the agency MUST be notified.
• The Agency will attempt to maintain standard staffing during this time and will endeavor to provide care using existing staffing resources.
We also plead with families to bear with us in case we experienced nurse shortage and unable to cover all the shifts.
Finally, in addition to the guidelines listed above, we respectfully ask our clients, families and nursing personnel with cold/flu-like symptoms or who have been placed on self-quarantine to let us know.
Full disclosure is important in preventing the spread of the virus.
For additional information, you should follow your local health department, and the CDC 2019 Novel
Coronavirus website: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov
We will continue to monitor this rapidly evolving situation and will notify clients/families immediately if any additional actions are necessary.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation as we work to promote the health and well-being of our clients, their families and our professional team.
Compassionate Healthcare Management Team
410-719-0672
Share On: