Course Description
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, “Bloodborne pathogens are infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Needle sticks and other sharps-related injuries may expose workers to bloodborne pathogens. Workers in many occupations, including first aid team members, housekeeping personnel in some industries, nurses and other healthcare personnel may be at risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens.”
It is important to know what bloodborne pathogens are in order to prevent transmission. The purpose of this educational offering is to educate participants on Bloodborne pathogens, OSHA guidelines, rules and regulations, and use of proper personal protective equipment, PPE.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of the course, the learner will be able to:
- Define bloodborne pathogens
- List 3 types of bloodborne pathogens
- Describe Universal Precautions for preventing transmission of bloodborne infections
- Describe safe donning and removal of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Intended Audience
This educational activity was developed for nurses and clinical laboratory professionals.
CE Information
This course is approved for 1.5 contact hours by the American Association for Respiratory Care, the Florida and California State Boards of Nursing and by ASCLS P.A.C.E.
Course Authors
This course was developed by Tonya Dixon, RN, MSN, MBA, MPH and edited by Brenda Kozak, MSN, RN, CNE and Erika Braken-Probst, MSN.
Tonya received her Master of Science in Nursing, Master of Business Administration and her Master of Public Health from Saint Xavier University of Chicago in Illinois. Brenda has 17 years of clinical experience in nursing. She earned her Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on education and is a certified nurse educator.
Brenda Kozak, MSN, RN, CNE is a certified nurse educator and has 17 years of clinical experience in nursing and earned her Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on education.
Erika Probst, RNC, MSN, CLNC is the owner of Bracken Probst & Associates, LLC, an independent consulting firm that assists with reviewing medical related cases. She received her BSN from The University of Portland and her MSN focusing on nursing education from Walden University. She has been a maternity nurse for over 15 years where she assisted with the leadership of her department as a charge nurse for over 8 years and has her certification as a Mother-Baby nurse through the National Certification Corporation. She helped found the Nursing Research Council (NRC) at Providence St Vincent Medical Center, a facility that recently earned its fourth Magnet designation. She chaired the NRC for 8 years and assisted with multiple conferences, presentations, and research projects.