Reprocessing of N95 – an update
The questions regarding reprocessing of N95 masks continue so here is an update.
Practical tips for safe use of masks
Thanks to Dr. Jeff Powis, Medical Director, Infection Prevention and Control, Michael Garron Hospital, for sharing practical tips for the safe use of masks.
Update for nursing students – NCLEX Exam
In order to respond to student inquiries -- about the NCLEX Exam, access to a Temporary License, and completion of clinical placements -- we have contacted the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO). They have advised that the NCLEX exam became available again on March 31st and more centres continue to become available as writing centres are able to open given current requirements for social distancing and cleaning. Students are registering to write the exam.
RNAO action – Supporting Long-Term Care
RNAO is listening, anticipating and responding to the needs of the long-term care sector during this unprecedented time. All of the resources described below are available to anyone requiring them in the fight against COVID-19. Our deepest gratitude to the directors of nursing, attending NPs, medical directors, CNSs, RNs, RPNs, PSWs, and other workers in nursing homes and retirement homes, as well as our RNAO staff who are diligently and proactively supporting them, always and especially during the pandemic.
Ontario’s tragedy in long term care homes and retirement homes
Today, Good Friday, April 10, focuses on long term care. I chose this as my report’s focus as their residents are most affected by COVID-19 – in their isolation from loved ones and in the devastating fatalities we as a society have experienced.
Guidance on use of N95 mask
We continue to receive messages from RNs who, in their judgment, require the use of N95 and are denied their use. The guidance, given the shortage of N95, is that they are specifically allocated for use in ICUs and mainly for aerosolized procedures. However, exceptions to this guidance should be recognized.
Celebrating Passover, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday and the start of Ramadan during a pandemic
This is a special and meaningful time of the year for families; friends and communities who in normal times get together to celebrate. This time it will be different; as in so many other aspects of our life, everything seems to be changed – hopefully for not too long. We urge each of us – everyone -- to stay put in our homes.
Sentinel surveillance and on-site testing in the homeless service sector
The deepening crisis amongst persons experiencing homelessness is a major concern for RNAO and one we are actively urging all levels of government to immediately address.
We asked Dr. Aaron Orkin, Population Medicine Lead with Inner City Health Associates (ICHA), to share with RNAO his expert advice about sentinel surveillance and on-site testing for persons experiencing homelessness in Toronto, which of course is applicable to any other city and jurisdiction.
Reprocessing of N95 – safe?
The shortage of N95 masks is driving the efforts to find ways to reprocess (sometimes referred to as decontaminate, sterilize, sanitize or disinfect) these filtering facepiece respirators (FFR). We continue to receive emails expressing concerns from health providers worried that ineffective reprocessing will leave them exposed to contamination or degraded respirators. This is an issue that is evolving, there is ongoing research, and we provide here an update.
Backgrounder - CDC recommendations: N95 extended use, decontamination and reuse
A summary of two CDC guidance documents on extended use and reuse as well as decontamination and reuse of N95 respirators.
