C. Diff in the hallways!

Published

I'm an RN at a long-term care facility. one of my residents was diagnosed with c. diff quite recently. we put this resident on isolation precautions and began flagyl. 2 days later, my DON asked me why my incontinent and confused patient was not allowed out of his room. I explained his dx, the order for contact precautions, and that he is incontinent. she stated thats not a good enough reason and that good "customer service" should be our goal, and now he is allowed to wander the halls and he oftentimes comes into direct contact with other residents, objects at the nurses station, etc. my question is: is there anything I can do to ensure that my resident with c. diff is receiving proper care without exposing my other residents to the infection? and is my DON really allowed to ignore a doctors order of isolation precautions just to achieve satisfactory "customer service"?

Specializes in Care Coordination, MDS, med-surg, Peds.

Quote----the right of one patient to freedom of movement shouldn't trump everyone else's right to a clean environment.

Just food for thought here----- How many individuals with CDIFF or other communicable diseases FREELY roam Walmart, etc., without taking any precautions? Shall I involke the dreaded word..."FOMITES"?????

:yes:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

Am I the only one who is a teensy bit frightened that you had to explain to your DON about isolation for a C diff resident?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

Hit send too soon!!

What about the "customer satisfaction" of the other clients being exposed (potentially) to this C diff resident? When does the happiness of one resident being allowed to roam and touch trump the safety and health, and eventually, happiness of X number of residents?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hit send too soon!!

What about the "customer satisfaction" of the other clients being exposed (potentially) to this C diff resident? When does the happiness of one resident being allowed to roam and touch trump the safety and health, and eventually, happiness of X number of residents?

I guess the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Perhaps the family of the infected had issues. Dunno. Never understood the rationale behind it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion