Staph Infections in LTC

[TTM01]

Hello, I recently started working as a caregiver at a LTC here in S. Calif ( 3 months). Yesterday a family member of a resident that I provide care for, visited. This family member gave me in depth detail on how their family member had a raging staph infection last year and proceeded to tell me to take precaution when handling their family member. I was mortified because I was never told this. I was very careful in speaking with the family member and never showed any lack of knowledge to the information she disclosed. I am concerned now because who do I go to with this information? I want to speak with my ED of the facility and ask that she inform all the other caregivers of this information. What would you do in my situation? Thank You

[meownsmile, BSN, RN]

It is very possible this patient had a case of MRSA that was treated and recultured out negative. That doesnt necissarily mean they need any different treatment than you would use ordinarily. Universal precautions should be sufficient unless she/he hasnt been recultured. If that is the case the facility needs to step up on their infection control practices.