This sucks

We have always taken precautions with potentially infected patients(masks,isolation)but for some reason the powers to be are very concerned and the old way of treating suspected flu patients is not going to be enough. This was not an idea our manager came up with to torture us, it was not long ago he was on the floor as our charge so he knows how these things affect staff morale. We generally have a very casual ED especially on night shifts and as long as we get things done we have freedom and privileges other departments have had to get rid of(music,food and fun). In the five years I have been around there have been some dumb ideas that have floated down from upstairs but this is going to be the biggest blow to staff morale so far. I will have to dig a little deeper to find out who is behind this decision and what they are thinking.

I was quick to point out in my post that CDC guidelines are far less radical and that adherence to standard infection control policies should be sufficient in most settings. I'm sure everyone will have their own opinion but I don't make the policy so it is what it is. Masks will be changed as needed throughout your shift,you would not wear the same gloves all shift so it goes with masks. I think the underlying issues are two fold and have to do with staffing and possible infection of family and others off site. I could be wrong but in administrations eyes having a large number of staff out at any one time could be an issue,I may be totally off base but its a guess.