flu plans

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Specializes in LTC, geriatric, psych, rehab.

We have always had a policy in place should we have an outbreak of anything contagious at the nursing home, including the flu. But apparently the state surveyors here are wanting special plans for this swine flu. Do your homes have anything lined up for this that is different from what you already had in place?

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

I downloaded the latest information from my state DPH and the CDC. The flu is the flu swine or otherwise. It's transmitted the same way so we've stuck with what we do for the 'regular' flu....handwashing...staying home if you're sick...asking visitors to stay away if they're sick. The only difference is we've stocked up on nasal swabs.

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Specializes in LTC, geriatric, psych, rehab.

Thanks, that is what I thought. But my regional consultant said that the DON in a sister facility got tagged b/c she did not have special plans just for the swine flu. I just wondered how in the world it was different. She thinks the surveyor was expecting so many nurses to be out sick that what were they going to do then.

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Specializes in nursery, L and D.

Supposedly, I'm responsible for the swine flu plan at my facility (MDS). They are supposed to be sending a list of things we need to do especially for swine. Don't know how it could be any different than regular flu, except it doesn't seem to be as deadly. I put up the stay away if your sick signs, the hand washing signs, we got extra hand sanatizer pumps up, the supply person is stocking extra gowns, gloves, and mask. Wht else could there be?

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Thanks, that is what I thought. But my regional consultant said that the DON in a sister facility got tagged b/c she did not have special plans just for the swine flu. I just wondered how in the world it was different. She thinks the surveyor was expecting so many nurses to be out sick that what were they going to do then.

perhaps this is the issue.....maybe they want staffing back up?.....good luck on that.....if they are sick, they are sick, what are you expected to do????.....i imagine i will be working, since i am in the "older" age group that has as yet, not appeared to suffer the effect as much..

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Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.

I had swine flu information posted all over my building. Surveyors walked in. They did not once ask about our plans for a swine flu outbreak. They did,however, want to know if there was an Emergency Procedures book at the nurses' station.

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Specializes in LTC, ER, ICU, Psych, Med-surg...etc....

I have not heard of anything regarding a special plan for the swine flu. CapeCodMermaid is right- flu is flu-what does it matter as long as you've got that covered?

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