Retail Healthcare NPs Prep to Educate About Swine Flu
The Convenient Care Association and retail healthcare operators including Take Care and MinuteClinic released statements today that detail their plans to educate patients about the swine flu. A huge influx of patients is asking for preventive medicines and NPs need to be prepared to provide up-to-date and accurate information while calming patients' fears.
The Convenient Care Association's statement describes some precautions to advise:
According to the CDC, the following recommendations may help prevent transmission of the flu virus: cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and then dispose of the tissue in the trash; wash your hands frequently using soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers; avoid contact with those who are sick and stay home from work or school if you think you might be sick; avoid touching your nose, mouth, or eyes.
Take Care Health's statement quotes chief nurse practitioner officer Sandra Ryan:
“Take Care Clinics have seen patients inquiring about the swine flu, asking questions about symptoms and how to protect themselves and their family,” said Sandra Ryan, RN, MSN, CPNP and Chief Nurse Practitioner Officer for Take Care Health Systems. “Nurse practitioners and physician assistants follow CDC recommendations to prescribe anti-viral medications based upon current symptoms, suspected or confirmed exposure to the swine flu, and/or an individual’s situation in regards to traveling to an area of a confirmed case.”