Infection control guidelines in LD/NSY/PP

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I was looking for some information about practice guidelines concerning infection control in the L&D, Newborn Nursery and Mother/Baby settings. We have a policy that has been in place for at least 18 years and renewed from time to time but no real changes have ever been made. Our policy states that a 3 minute scrub will be done at the beginning of every shift in each area. Also, of course, good handwashing using either soap or alcohol foam after each contact. Our policy also includes wearing cover gowns when feeding or holding infants in the nursery. We are also practicing universal precautions with all patients which involves wearing gloves with any contact we have. We are not allowed to wear jewelry( with the exception of a plain wedding band) or watches, our hair must be neatly tied back. Each infant is given its own stethascope(for use in the hospital) and thermometer(to take home.)and disposal b.p cuff. Is this pretty much the routine in your institutions as well? I have been trying to look for evidence based practice (articles ect) but have not had any luck......Please let me know what you all are doing.......:uhoh3:

I still believe that those first couple of mec diapers are sterile; the gut is getting colonized as those first feedings move through it, right? Meaning that the mec that is coming out prior to the feedings would still be sterile, wouldn't it? Nonetheless, I apprecriate the discussion; I've updated my practice and started wearing gloves for most diaper changes. More for the concept that--if someone's touching my kid's genitals, I'd prefer they wear clean gloves, for my child's protection. So even though I'm washing before and afterward, I can see the point of the gloves. I also think that, since I still switch back and forth between peds, medical floor, and mother/baby (not in the same night, but I sometimes float to peds and medical instead of working on mother/baby), I think it's just good practice to be in the HABIT of wearing gloves when cleaning off a pt.

Old dogs can learn new tricks, sometimes.

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