COVID-19 News Headlines
With the news of COVID-19 cases on the increase every day, nurses and healthcare providers are feeling the pressure of taking care of their patients while still protecting themselves. Nurses are encouraged to make sure you are following the established guidelines from legitimate sources regarding personal protective equipment (PPE). The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has provided strategies to optimize the supply of PPE and equipment. See the webpage at this LINK for the most recent information.
The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) also has provided guidance to the public to sew homemade masks to assist with the expected national shortage of commercially-produced face masks. Information about the construction of sewn masks can be found at this LINK.
Nurses who have concerns about PPE supplies should consult with their employers about the topic.
Service Opportunities
Nurses who are interested in assisting acute or long term care facilities that become overwhelmed during this COVID-19 outbreak or suffer a loss of staff due to illness, please follow these instructions: To create an account and a profile please go to the following website: https://www.iaserv.org/.
In order to assist, it is imperative that you complete the on-line profile with your nursing license information in order to be eligible for deployment to assist. Once a profile is completed in the system, you must click on SAVE then you will receive an email from "@notify2.mir3.com" that verifies you created or updated an account. You will receive notification from "iowaresponds" with information if you are being requested to deploy.
A Note of Encouragement
To my Fellow Nurses:
As the Executive Director of the Board of Nursing I want you to know that you are in my thoughts daily as we all do our part to combat COVID-19. There are those of us who will be on the sidelines fighting the battle and those of us on the frontlines. We all play an important role.
I do want to assure you the Board members and staff are working diligently to carry out the Governor’s Proclamations. It is our goal to lessen the burden for you and the healthcare systems you work in. As we work to implement licensing changes we must still carry out our mission of protecting the public. I know as safe and prudent practitioners that is your goal too.
I believe in Iowa nurses and I know that you are all going above and beyond with the care and compassion you provide to patients and residents daily. I know that you are frightened for you and your family’s health and well-being, but you continue to go to work daily. I know that you are passionate about your profession. I know that you are fighting the fight wherever you are working or volunteering.
Thank you for all you are doing today and every day!
Sincerely,
Kathy
Kathy Weinberg
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