Competency Statement: The nursing student demonstrates the ability to reduce the risk of patients acquiring healthcare-associated infections and effectively manage infections if they occur.
Knowledge
The nursing student:
- Describes the chain of infection and the different modes of transmission of infection in healthcare
- Describes how different types of microorganisms spread
- Defines the terms colonisation, infection and antimicrobial resistance
- Outlines the principles of standard and transmission-based precautions
- Identifies people who are at particular risk of healthcare-associated infections (e.g. people who are immunocompromised) and advocates on their behalf when required (e.g. by ensuring hand hygiene practices are maintained)
- Explains the principles of antimicrobial stewardship
- Outlines procedures for informing authorities of notifiable diseases
Skills
The nursing student:
- Educates patients, visitors and colleagues about infection control practices and prevention strategies
- Demonstrates effective hand hygiene
- Demonstrates the use of standard and transmission-based precautions for infection prevention and control
- Demonstrates aseptic and non-touch techniques
- Uses and removes personal protective equipment in a way that minimises cross contamination
- Demonstrates correct use and disposal of sharps and waste
- Cleans or discards used equipment appropriately
- Manages blood and body fluid spills appropriately
- Raises concerns about inappropriate antimicrobial use
- Complies with organisational requirements for immunisation
Infection prevention and control refers to the use of effective, evidence-based strategies to prevent and manage healthcare-associated infections. It also focuses on minimising the risk of transmission by effectively using standard and transmission-based precautions and reducing the development of resistant organisms.