N95 masks for school nurses?

BrisketRN, BSN, RN · Sep 29, 2020

I use a N95 mask when seeing students with COVID-like symptoms in my "isolation room" masks are stored in a paper bag in a cabinet and not reused for 7 days (I have one bag for each day of the week). I haven't had a positive COVID test come back yet, but if I did I'd toss the mask.

JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN · Sep 29, 2020

I have them, haven't used them yet because fit testing needs to happen. Have KN95s and surgical masks with shields. But also have room set up so after assessment, there can be ample distance (6+ feet) between any 2+ people in the isolation space (can hold 3 students plus one staff, have a separate room right next door for an additional student as needed).

But I won't be decontaminating them - that requires very special and expensive approved equipment. I'll be storing them in a plastic container with a couple of holes for airflow, labeled with name of nurse, with the elastic band on the outside of the container - see this video:

But I will also only use them if I need to be in prolonged contact with a suspected COVID+ student. I will also be removing every student's face covering and providing them with a surgical mask upon entry in the isolation space.

tdean13, RN · Sep 29, 2020

Thank you! That is very helpful!

cowboysandangels, BSN · Sep 30, 2020

Our district is not purchasing them for us. They feel we are safe with just a procedure mask and shield. Hope so........

AdobeRN · Sep 30, 2020

20 hours ago, BrisketRN said:

I use a N95 mask when seeing students with COVID-like symptoms in my "isolation room" masks are stored in a paper bag in a cabinet and not reused for 7 days (I have one bag for each day of the week). I haven't had a positive COVID test come back yet, but if I did I'd toss the mask.

I do the same - toss after the mask has been used 5 times. I mark the paper bag it is stored in to keep track.

ruby_jane, BSN, RN · Sep 30, 2020

Can you even find them? Regarding the fit testing....there's some data from NY and New Orleans that show that two sizes fit most. And the reality is that we are not likely to be in a situation that requires a "perfect fit." Shield plus surgical mask (which I wear and toss daily - no cutesy masks, thanks) are making me feel OK right now based on what I am actually doing.

BrisketRN, BSN, RN · Sep 30, 2020

31 minutes ago, ruby_jane said:

Can you even find them? Regarding the fit testing....there's some data from NY and New Orleans that show that two sizes fit most. And the reality is that we are not likely to be in a situation that requires a "perfect fit." Shield plus surgical mask (which I wear and toss daily - no cutesy masks, thanks) are making me feel OK right now based on what I am actually doing.

We could only find NIOSH N95s, the FDA N95s are hard to come by. I didn't fit test just did a seal check.

JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN · Sep 30, 2020

24 minutes ago, BrisketRN said:

We could only find NIOSH N95s, the FDA N95s are hard to come by. I didn't fit test just did a seal check.

To be honest, that is what I literally just got after posting this because fit testing is still a big headache right now. I got those through my school's Amazon business account.

But again, I'm doing shield or googles and surgical mask right now mainly with my small in person cohort. Assessments have been less than 3 minutes and then I'm socially distanced again. No active coughers or otherwise fluid spreaders (but they will come, I know). Not doing any aerosol generating procedures.

Flare, ASN, BSN · Sep 30, 2020

my district bought me enough n-95s for the school year. It says on the box they can be used for 5 days, unless soiled, wet, etc. They are uncomfortable, so I only wear them during "busy" times. I've also taken to wearing a surgical along with it. The elastics just pull pull pull at my hair. I'm told I look very official. I thought it may be an overkill look, but my clerk thinks it helps relay the seriousness of it all.

tdean13, RN · Sep 30, 2020

I appreciate everyone's feedback. My district was able to purchase large NIOSH approved N95's(limited supply), but no medium...so far. Fit testing was only successful for half of us. I don't think all of the nurses will be wearing them anymore then they have to because they are so uncomfortable, but I do want to have them available for everyone as an option since it is highly recommended by NASN.

Thank you. I like that plan. We do not have students back yet. I'm not sure about assessing them inside the isolation room though. I am thinking assessing them just outside the entry door upon arrival and keeping a visual on them when in the isolation room is preferred. Any additional advise is greatly appreciated.

JenTheSchoolRN, BSN, RN · Oct 1, 2020

15 hours ago, tdean13 said:

I appreciate everyone's feedback. My district was able to purchase large NIOSH approved N95's(limited supply), but no medium...so far. Fit testing was only successful for half of us. I don't think all of the nurses will be wearing them anymore then they have to because they are so uncomfortable, but I do want to have them available for everyone as an option since it is highly recommended by NASN.

Thank you. I like that plan. We do not have students back yet. I'm not sure about assessing them inside the isolation room though. I am thinking assessing them just outside the entry door upon arrival and keeping a visual on them when in the isolation room is preferred. Any additional advise is greatly appreciated.

Amazon business is where I found size M/L in the NIOSH approved but they go in and out of stock quickly. Luckily our purchasing guy is quick on the trigger with my emails because we learned that this Summer...

I do a quick assessment outside my isolation space to determine if they need to go there or not. My PPE and equipment cart (which is basically a large tool chest on wheels that locks from Home Depot - my facilities guy suggested it and ordered it for me and it is great!) are just outside the door as well.

I do have a LPN this year - the LPN is the person that staffs and remains in the isolation space. This is a HUGE help (my isolation space is one floor above my office), but I know it is luxury so many don't have.