MRSA and VRE in HH

[SandBetweenMyToes, BSN, RN]

I'm interested to hear what others are doing re: infection control with MRSA and VRE positive clients. Specifically, what about your equipment such as thermometer, blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, etc? I am worried about putting these things back in my bag after using them on these clients. We use alcohol hand gel routinely, and are told to wash with soap and water for C. Diff and VRE, as the alcohol does not kill these. So, my question is would swabbing my stethoscope with alcohol do enough to kill these pathogens? I am new to HH and would appreciate hearing from other experienced nurses. Thanks!

[mo-mo]

We have contact iso kits.They each have a 'disposable' cheapo BP cuff and stethascope. We ask the pt to provide a thermometer(since they should have one on hand anyway, to check for fever r/t infection)The first nurse who sees the pt brings in everything else we need including hand sanitizer, gloves, alcohol swabs, wound care supplies, etc and leaves these in a bag in the pts home. I even leave a pen with these things so that all I have to bring in is my nurses assessment form. I put on booties and gown at the door, and I wear gloves the entire time.

Pts and families give me funny looks sometimes for going to this extreme, but I explain the nature of these diseases and that it's our policy, and people seem to understand.It also helps the families understand how clean they need to keep their homes (and hands!) to prevent spreading the disease to other family members. I am thankful that my facility provides those kits, an I bet it saves money in the long run.

I do not think that swabbing your supplies w/ alcohol will kill these bugs effectively.Bring as few items into pts home as possible.Don't put them back into your bag until they're sanitized (maybe put equipment into a plastic grocery bag when leaving pt home) and I'd at least request 'sani-wipes' to wipe down your equipment immediately after visits.