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davis59 Asked February 2020

Anyone in home health working for a company getting any training on how to deal with the Covid-19 virus?

I am wondering if anyone else is getting any training or being told they will be provided protective and proper masks? My company is doing absolutely no training and never has given us any info on how to care for clients with infectious diseases. I was told if I wanted a mask I could come in and pick ONE up. No info on what to do if a client is showing symptoms. NOTHING! I talked to OSHA and the woman was shocked at how little help or direction we are being given.

needtowashhair Feb 2020
It should be the same as other respiratory illnesses. So it should be the same as the flu for example. All healthcare workers should be trained for that.

JoAnn29 Feb 2020
I worked for a non-profit organization subsidized by the Township. Because we were part of the Township we had to be involved in the Blood Pathogens program yearly. I had to keep a MSD book on every chemical we had on site and proof we had taken the program. We were inspected on a regular basis.
I am surprised that your agency is not required to offer these programs. Did Osha say the agency falls under their jurisdiction. If so, they can fine them for not being up to snuff.

I feel that its your agencies responsibility to you and your clients that you are kept up to date on new viruses and how to recognize them and what to do when exposed.

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cwillie Feb 2020
I expect (hope?) that in order to become a cna, hca, psw (or whatever) people have already received training in infectious disease control but since these are the people out in the community on the front lines it makes sense that they should get a friendly reminder to brush up on those skills - if your agency is nickel and diming the bottom line instead of providing adequate equipment like masks, gloves, disposable gowns etc you would be wise to supply yourself. In my opinion agencies already fail to consider ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases like norovirus, influenza etc since home care workers are often rushing from one home to the next on the list.

Geaton777 Feb 2020
They are still not sure how it is transmitted, they just know it seems to happen easily.

pamzimmrrt Feb 2020
Since the symptoms are the same as a bad respiratory infection ( or cold) how would you know if your pt has Covid? The best instructions so far are excellent hand hygene,, wash wash wash! If you are really worried, go get that mask, or buy some at the pharmacy. You could be taking care of your pt for days before they would show symptoms,, like any virus . I would personally be more worried about catching the "regular" flu from a pt, and I work in a major inner city hospital. If the pt is DIAGNOSED by a Dr, that would be another issue, and I am sure your agency would suggest you stay away for 10-15 days until the Pt is cleared. Hope this helps!

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