Infection Prevention and Control for Special Pathogens Online Courses
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NETEC has released a series of free online courses on infection prevention and control for special pathogens. The courses in this program are designed for nurses, physicians, emergency responders, and other health care professionals—bringing you back to the basics of infection prevention and control.
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Benefits of the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Education Series
Participation in the IPC courses will enable you to:
- Develop or refresh your understanding of best practices for managing a patient suspected or confirmed to have a high consequence infectious disease.
- Select courses targeted to your learning goals. Choose from three key areas: engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE controls—or enroll in all three!
- Test your knowledge and skills in interactive simulation exercises.
- Complete the program in as little as 1.5 hours, or go at your own pace.
- Apply for continuing education credits (CEUs). Each course module is worth .5 credits; take all three modules for 1.5 credits.
Infection Prevention and Control Course Objectives
The infection prevention and control (IPC) educational series draws on the knowledge of NETEC experts in special pathogen management. Our experts come from hospitals, EMS agencies, and academic research centers across the U.S. and the IPC courses reflect real world clinical experiences and research-based protocols.
Concepts are presented through interactive simulation exercises to enhance knowledge and skill building. Enroll in one or all three targeted areas of IPC best practices.
Engineering Controls
At the end of this module, you will be able to:
- Describe the optimal use and locations for physical barriers and visual indicators to prevent the spread of special pathogens.
- Identify methods for improving airflow and removing pathogens from the air.
- Recognize high-touch surface areas and describe techniques to clean, disinfect, and reduce contact with high-touch surfaces.
Administrative Controls
At the end of this module, you will be able to:
- Describe the difference between cleaning and disinfecting, and how to choose, use, and monitor the cleaning and disinfection process.
- Explain who is involved in infection prevention and control, and how to break the chain of infection.
- Describe strategies health care facilities can implement to limit exposure to a pathogen.
- Identify best practices for communication within and outside the facility.
PPE and Behavior
At the end of this module, you will be able to:
- Select personal protective equipment (PPE) based on transmission type of a special pathogen.
- Describe best practices for donning PPE when caring for individuals with high-consequence infectious diseases.
- Describe best practices for doffing PPE when caring for individuals with high-consequence infectious diseases.
- Describe strategies and behaviors to maximize safety while wearing PPE.
- Discuss strategies for educating patients and visitors on how to help prevent the spread of a special pathogen.
- Discuss strategies for responding to coworkers who are reluctant to wear or do not wear PPE appropriately.
- Explain the process and considerations for handling contamination or a breach in PPE.
Earn Continuing Education Credits
Meet your continuing education requirements by taking one course in the series or enrolling in all three. Each module is worth .5 continuing education credits (CECs), so you can focus on what matters to you or take them all for 1.5 CECs. The series is entirely online and self-paced, so you can complete it at your own speed.
This courses is eligible for a maximum of 1.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ or up to 1.5 ANCC contact hours.
Browse our complete list of current CE/CEU courses.
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