The Importance of Professional Development for Nurses

Professional Development Providing the best level of care to patients is of the utmost importance and that means staying up to date on training. The medical knowledge is always changing, particularly rapidly over the last few years with so many recent advancements in technology. It’s important for nursing professionals to stay up-to-date with these medical advancements both for their own professional development but also for the benefit of their patients.

CPD is important for employer as they can assess your skillset to see if you require any additional support in certain procedures. This means that they are confident that the nurses are doing their job to the best of their ability and that they are getting the support that they need.

CPD is important for you as a healthcare professional too. Professional development helps you to continue making meaningful and efficient contributions to your team. It helps you to work efficiently and with confidence. Ongoing professional development can also help you advance in your career as you can move into new positions where you can lead, coach, manage, and mentor others.

Continuing professional development refers to any activity that contributes to your professional development as a nurse or healthcare professional. CPD not only benefits the patients in your care, as they are receiving the best care that they can possibly get, but it also benefits you, as the nurse. CPD means that you can perform your current job to the highest degree and it also contributes greatly towards advancement in your career.

The importance of professional development for nurses is that high-performing organizations recognize the significance of professional development plans for new and incumbent nurses. More and more, organizations across the continuum of care are recognizing the impact of nurse competency and satisfaction on patient care and outcomes, as well as the bottom line. Furthermore, nurses should increasingly anticipate ongoing professional development throughout their careers and consider lifelong learning to be a part of a healthy work environment.

In especially trying times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare leaders can lose sight of the important role professional development can play in terms of a support system for nurses. It becomes imperative in times of crisis for organizations to ensure their staff have the much-needed support to provide safe and effective care, especially when faced with a pandemic and managing a crisis.  Professional development can play a key role in providing opportunities to learn about managing new disease processes and complex patient populations.  In addition, organizations can further promote learning opportunities regarding self-care and avoiding burnout, especially during a crisis.

Therefore, it is important for organizations to prioritize professional development across each nurse’s different career stages, from new graduates to seasoned veterans. Long-standing hiring and onboarding programs remain crucial, as well as innovative ways to adapt lifelong education to individual needs, which changes behavior and promotes continuous professional development.

Nursing professional development plays a critical role to ensure quality care, career satisfaction, and a solid pipeline for tomorrow’s leaders. By committing to the practice of these three critical components, your organization will lead the charge to create an engaged, proficient, and motivated nursing workforce ready to take on the challenges of an ever-changing healthcare landscape.

Organizations will undoubtedly benefit from having a solid nursing professional development program in place—and by first identifying areas of improvements for nurses, leaders can develop the most appropriate professional nursing goals for the organization. Understanding that nursing professional development programs can’t afford to fall by the wayside, even in times of budget constraints or unprecedented events (COVID-19) is also key for healthcare leaders. If anything, the existence of professional development programs is needed now more than ever to help support the nursing community in an especially difficult environment.  Ideally, the following examples of professional goals for nurses will support the overarching aims of most hospitals and health systems. In alignment with your organization’s goals, here are five examples of professional goals for nurses:

  • Pursue advanced certifications (relative to clinical practice area)
  • Remain focused on career path
  • Seek advancement opportunities
  • Prioritize continuing education and advanced learning opportunities
  • Lead a quality improvement or patient safety initiative

Nurse leaders have the duty of giving the resources and support to advance professional development in their establishment. Through persuasive talking, disposal of professional development barriers, and consolation of shared administration, a nurse leader can advance individual medical professional development that will uphold medical services development and ideal patient results. If you need more professional help, click HERE.

 

 

Qualities that Good Nurses Should Have

Nurses As new nurses are entering the workforce, identifying and encouraging specific nursing qualities will help hospitals and health systems recognize strong nursing candidates for hire and understand which current nurses on staff would make great leaders. It’s helpful to consider these 13 qualities of a good nurse that will help them be successful in navigating and thriving in today’s healthcare landscape.

Qualities of a Good Nurse

  1. Caring

While it may seem like a given, most people assume that all nurses enter the field because “caring” is one of their leading qualities—but this shouldn’t necessarily be an assumed nursing characteristic. Many nurses who choose the nursing career path to prioritize job security, are interested in using it as a starting point for another career or have a lack of alternative ideas/options.

But as a nursing quality, caring makes all the difference to patients. A nurse showing a natural tendency to truly care about how their patients feel will have a significant impact on their success in the nursing field, which makes caring a key indicator of a nurse’s success.

  1. Communication Skills

Strong communication skills are critical characteristics of a nurse. A nurse’s role relies on the ability to effectively communicate with other nurses, physicians, disciplines across other units, patients, and their families.

Without the ability to interpret and convey communication correctly, medical errors are more likely to occur, patients often feel neglected or misinformed, and the entire unit will feel the impact.

  1. Empathy

With nurses caring for perhaps thousands of patients throughout their careers, it can be all too easy to become desensitized or remember what it was like to be a “nonclinical” person. A characteristic of a good nurse is one that shows empathy to each patient, making a true effort to put themselves in their patients’ shoes.

By practicing empathy, nurses are more likely to treat their patients as “people” and focus on a person-centered care approach, rather than strictly following routine guidelines.

  1. Attention to Detail

Nurses are undoubtedly under immense pressure as they balance receiving orders from physicians with using their own knowledge skills and critical judgment to provide the highest quality patient care. Add to this combination caring for multiple patients simultaneously, and the risk for human error can seem almost inevitable.

A good nurse knows the stakes are high and that unlike in most other industries, they’re responsible for peoples’ wellbeing and more importantly—their lives. Having strong attention to detail is one of the nurse personality traits that can easily and quickly determine how successful they’ll be in their role.

  1. Problem Solving Skills

While clinical knowledge and training are taught throughout a nurse’s education, on the job training is the most effective way to help shape a nurse’s problem-solving skills. And although years of experience can help hone this skill, some naturally possess better problem-solving skills as part of their qualities and traits of a nurse.

Problem-solving skills are essential to nursing, as nurses generally have the most one-on-one time with patients and are often responsible for much of the decision-making related to their care.

  1. Critical Thinking

While having a strong willingness to learn is an important skill in a good nurse, putting that knowledge into successful practice requires an ability to think critically—especially in high-stress situations. A nurse with highly functioning critical thinking skills is one of the most important characteristics of a professional nurse.

  1. Sense of Humor

To derive satisfaction from such a mentally and physically exhausting career, nurses that can find time for a laugh are typically more successful in their roles. Because nurses encounter varying degrees of high-stress situations, taking the opportunity to enjoy the downtime and incorporate a lighthearted attitude can provide a sense of stress relief beyond measure.

  1. Commitment to Patient Advocacy

A great nurse understands that patient advocacy is a mindset that must be practiced every day, with every patient, throughout every stage of the care continuum. Many patients enter a hospital or healthcare setting disoriented, confused, and unable to truly “speak up” and advocate for their safety. Having a nurse that practices with a strong passion for patient advocacy will ensure they’re always fighting for the very best care for their patients.

  1. Willingness to Learn

With technological improvements and breakthrough studies in science, the healthcare industry must prove to be successfully adaptive to provide the highest quality patient care possible. Nurses spend more bedside time with patients than any other role in healthcare and their willingness to learn and put new knowledge into practice is one of the leading traits of a good nurse.

By engaging with new nurses to instill an expectation of continuous learning, while creating a positive environment for them to learn from experienced nurses, nursing leaders will set new nurses up for success. If you have any inquiries, visit HERE.

 

 

 

Write Nursing Dissertation in APA Format

nursing dissertation Nursing is one of today’s most popular professions. In addition to the idea of participating in life-saving and patient care, nursing is an attractive career, due to the benefits its practitioners receive. Students that choose to become nurses renounced that they do more to convince their teachers that they are willing to join the profession than to understand the field’s practical qualifications. You must therefore study and memorize such things as diagnoses, doses and the lingo, which may be quite mouthful. We do not think it needs to be this hectic to be called a nurse, so we do the best to write your APA nursing dissertation. For most students, APA nursing dissertation is particularly hard to produce.

You are torn between the skills you need to care for your patients and write papers and take your course. You are torn between the skills. Although we believe that you should not pay as much attention to the latter as the former, you must be careful that the two abilities are important to your career. For example, if you do not understand the basic skills for the profession, you will not be competent in your practice. Likewise, if you do not write and submit your infants on time, you are not eligible to participate in the career. Such a dilemma causes students to wonder who is going to write my APA dissertation for them.

We ensure that we have your paper written from scratch and keep an eye on your instructions, your professor’s guidelines and the instructions for formatting. We therefore strongly discourage the option of purchasing APA nursing dissertation online before we see whether the writing style meets your needs. Our reviews will show you why we are the most credible in the industry.

If you’re in a dilemma and you want someone to write your APA nursing dissertation, we’re your best bet in guaranteeing high quality and reliable services. We have several examples in nursing papers that we hope will help you decide to work with us quickly as they demonstrate the depth of the research we have carried out on behalf of every client.

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Influenza pandemics

Influenza A pandemic can occur when a type of influenza virus, known as the influenza A virus, mutates suddenlyTrusted Source.

This change can result in what the body sees as a completely new virus. The major and abrupt change from a recognizable virus to a new one is called an antigenic shift.

On the surface of the virus are HA proteins and NA proteinsTrusted Source. If one or both of these change, a new influenza A virus subtype can result. Influenza viruses have an H figure and an N figure. Swine flu, for example, is also known as H1N1, while avian flu has the subtype H5N1.

If a flu subtype gains the ability to spread rapidly between people, a pandemic may result.

After the pandemic emerges and spreads, humans develop some immunity over time. The virus subtype may then circulate among humans for several years, causing occasional flu epidemics.

Various organizations around the world, such as the WHO and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), monitor the behavior and movement of influenza viruses.

Their findings help health authorities develop strategies for controlling the spread and impact of influenza.

History

The Spanish flu pandemic, from 1918 to 1920, claimed 100 million lives. Experts consider it the most severe pandemic in history. The Black Death was fatal for more than 75 million people in the 14th century.

Some pandemics that have occurred throughout history include:

  • 541–542: Plague of Justinian
  • 1346–1350: The Black Death
  • 1899–1923: Sixth cholera pandemic
  • 1918–1920: Spanish flu (H1N1)
  • 1957–1958: Asian flu (H2N2)
  • 1968–1969: Hong Kong flu
  • 2009–2010: Swine flu (H1N1)
  • 2020: COVID-19

Animals carry some viruses that rarely spread to humans. Sometimes, these viruses can mutate and become transmissible to and between people.

When an animal virus first passes to humans, health authorities focus on it as a potential pandemic. This transmission indicates that a virus is mutating and might become highly contagious and harmful.

Swine flu and avian flu are viral diseases that were common in pigs and birds, respectively, but not humans. This changed once an antigenic shift occurred.

In recent years, there has also been concern about viruses that experts have linked to camels (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, or MERS-CoV) and monkeys (Ebola).

Phases

The WHO have a six-phaseTrusted Source program for identifying potential flu pandemics:

  • Phase 1: No local health authorities have reported that an influenza virus circulating among animals can cause disease in humans.
  • Phase 2: An animal influenza virus circulating in domesticated or wild animals has caused infection in humans. The WHO consider this a potential pandemic threat.
  • Phase 3: An animal or human-animal influenza virus has caused disease in small clusters of people. However, it has not resulted in human-to-human transmission that is rapid enough to sustain community-level outbreaks.
  • Phase 4: The WHO verify that human-to-human transmission of an animal or human-animal influenza virus is now able to sustain community-level outbreaks.
  • Phase 5: The same virus has caused sustained community-level outbreaks in two or more countries within a single WHO region.
  • Phase 6: In addition to the phase 5 criteria, the same virus has caused sustained community-level outbreaks in at least one other country in a different WHO region.
    • Post-peak period: Levels of pandemic influenza in most countries with adequate surveillance have dropped below peak levels.
    • Post-pandemic period: Levels of influenza activity have returned to the usual levels of seasonal influenza in most countries with adequate surveillance.

According to these definitions, the COVID-19 pandemic is currently in phase 6.

Concerns

Medical science has advanced rapidly in recent years, but it is unlikely ever to offer full protection from a possible pandemic because of the novel nature of the diseases involved.

Humans would not have natural immunity to a newly mutated disease, meaning that it could have severe effects after spreading between people.

The following have been or continue to be potential causes of concern:

Coronaviruses

Coronaviruses have caused concern due to their potential to lead to pandemics in recent years. Examples of coronavirus infections, in addition to SARS-CoV-2, include SARS and MERS. In March 2020, SARS-CoV-2 was the first coronavirus to reach a pandemic level, by causing COVID-19.

Previously, health agencies and government bodies managed to prevent coronavirus infections from becoming more than localized epidemics. MERS is still active, but outbreaks occur on a much smaller scaleTrusted Source and less frequently.

COVID-19, on the other hand, has reached every continent except Antarctica.

Viral hemorrhagic fevers

Viral hemorrhagic fevers, including those that the Ebola and Marburg viruses cause, could become pandemics. However, close contact is necessary for these diseases to spread.

Modern surveillance systems, lessons from the most recent Ebola outbreak in West Africa, and an experimental vaccine offer hope that authorities can deal with future outbreaks swiftly, increasing the chances of disease containment.

Antibiotic resistance

Antibiotic resistance is also a major concern. Resistant strains of tuberculosis are among the most worrying.

A 2016 study estimated that almost half a millionTrusted Source new cases of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) occurred globally in 2013.

Influenza

Wild birds are natural hosts for a variety of influenza strains.

Rarely, these influenza strains pass from birds to humans, sparking epidemics with the potential to become pandemics without active surveillance and containment measures.

Avian flu (H5N1) is an example of this. Authorities first identified the strain in Vietnam in 2004Trusted Source. It never progressed beyond epidemic levels, but the virus’s potential ability to combine with human flu viruses is a concern to scientists.

Ebola

The largest Ebola epidemicTrusted Source took place in Liberia and the surrounding West African nations from 2014 to 2015.

Significant efforts to contain the spread prevented Ebola from turning into a pandemic, even though some people developed the infection overseas.

Ebola has recently resurfaced in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the WHO are monitoring the situationTrusted Source.

Summary

Pandemics are diseases that break out on a global scale. Diseases that spread from animals to humans are often the cause.

From Europe’s Black Death during the Middle Ages to the Spanish flu around the time of the First World War, pandemics can change the course of society for many years to come.

The current pandemic, COVID-19, is causing disruption across the entire world.

 

What you need to know about OCD therapy

OCD Therapy Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a treatable condition. There are several methods of therapy that relieve its symptoms to a level that most people with the disorder can lead a normal life. This article looks at what obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is, and the standard therapies and medications that are used to treat OCD. It also looks at the risks and side effects of treatment, and tips on how to live with the condition.

What is OCD?

OCD is a common long-lasting anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders affect around 40 million adults in the United States. OCD affects 2.2 million adults, or 1 percent of the population.

OCD is marked by unwanted repetitive behaviors. The condition causes people to have repeated feelings, thoughts, and ideas called “obsessions” that make them feel driven to do something. This “urge to do something” is known as a compulsion.

Usually, the person carries out certain actions referred to as “rituals” to get rid of obsessive thoughts. However, the relief is often temporary, and the rituals have to be repeated. Not repeating the rituals can cause severe anxiety.

Obsessions that people with OCD may experience include fear of germs, unwanted forbidden or taboo thoughts, aggressive thoughts, or having items in perfect order.

Compulsions that may be carried out in response to an obsession include excessive hand washing, arranging things in a precise way, and compulsive counting.

If a person thinks they may have OCD, they should speak with their doctor about their symptoms. OCD that is left untreated can cause a person great distress and affect the way a person functions day to day.

Common forms of therapy

There are many forms of therapy to help treat OCD. These treatments can help reduce the impact the disorder has on everyday activities. OCD is treated with psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both.

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy, or talking therapy. The aim of CBT is to help a person with OCD manage obsessions and compulsions by altering the way that they think and behave. These steps often lead to an improvement in mood and functioning.

CBT has proven a highly effective treatment and can be just as effective as medication for some people.

The idea behind CBT is that a person’s thoughts, feelings, and actions are all linked. CBT focuses on how the way a person thinks can determine how they feel and their behavior.

For example, unrealistic or negative thoughts can cause distress. Distress can then affect how a person interprets a situation and have a negative impact on their actions. The person can become trapped in an ongoing cycle.

CBT concentrates on current problems rather than delving into issues from a person’s past. A therapist helps an individual deal with overwhelming problems by breaking them down into smaller parts.

People with OCD are also shown how to cope with and change negative patterns in a more positive way to improve how they feel.

CBT teaches how to recognize, observe, and monitor thoughts. The goal is for people to challenge their irrational beliefs and prove them wrong, resulting in a change of belief. The therapy looks at practical ways for a person to improve their state of mind on a daily basis.

Depending on the individual, improvements to mental wellbeing are usually seen in 12-16 weeks.

Exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) is a type of CBT. The aim of ERP is to provide a person with exposure to the thoughts, images, objects, or situations that trigger their obsessions. The response and prevention parts then come into play for the individual to make a choice not to carry out their compulsive behavior.

ERP takes place under the guidance of a therapist. In time, the person with OCD will be given ERP exercises to practice on their own to help them manage their symptoms.

While ERP may cause anxiety to rise initially, the individual will experience a drop in anxiety levels over time and with practice.

Medications to treat OCD

In many cases, CBT successfully tackles OCD. However, for some people, a combination of CBT and medication may be effective.

The drugs that are prescribed to someone with OCD may vary depending on their age. A type of antidepressant medication called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are usually prescribed for OCD, although a doctor may prescribe other psychiatric drugs.

Researchers suggest that people with OCD may have abnormalities or an imbalance in a brain chemical called serotonin. This imbalance may cause OCD symptoms.

Serotonin sends messages between nerve cells in the brain and may regulate functions such as memory, sleep, and anxiety.

SSRIs work by slowing down the collection of serotonin from nerve cells by message transporters. This allows serotonin to stay in the space between cells longer, therefore increasing the likelihood that the next nerve cell will receive the message correctly.

SSRIs enable the body to use the reduced amounts of serotonin efficiently. As natural serotonin levels rise, a doctor can decrease SSRI dosage.

While most SSRIs are safe, the FDA require all antidepressants to carry the strictest warning for prescriptions. Children, teenagers, and young adults under age 25 may have a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior when starting antidepressants.

People should never stop taking antidepressants without first speaking with a doctor, even if the person feels better.

 

Talking about OCD can help

OCD Many individuals who live with OCD find that an important first step in self-help is to be open about their condition with friends and family. If you have OCD, being able to talk about it with the people that are close to you can help you to feel more comfortable about the condition, as well as less isolated.

Spending time with other people who have OCD can also be beneficial. Joining a support group or engaging with other people who have OCD online can help people to feel accepted.

It may also empower them to talk about their experiences in an environment without worrying that they may be judged.

Relaxation and minimizing stress

People with OCD often find that their symptoms get worse when they are stressed, so managing stress is a really important coping strategy. We tend to feel stressed when we are in situations wherein a lot of pressure is placed upon us and we do not feel as though we are in control.

What follows are some tips that, while they may not necessarily cure your OCD, could help you to understand your triggers and minimize their effects. Recognizing when stress is likely to build up can help you to catch it before it overwhelms you.

Part of managing stress is about avoiding these situations, if at all possible. Another big part of managing stress is learning how to cope with difficult situations, or “developing emotional resilience.”

Trying different relaxation techniques could help to ease stress — for instance, deep breathing techniques can be calming.

Try breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth. Count to four as you breathe in, and again as you breathe out.

Another good way to relax can be taking a break from your devices. Try going an hour without your cell phone on. Does it help? Then why not try going the whole day?

Instead of flopping down and zoning out in front of the television or losing yourself in Facebook in the evening, try reading a book, drawing a bath, or trying out a new recipe. Taking time out from our usual routines can give us a sense of space, which many people find calming.

Creative hobbies — such as painting, sewing, and crafts — can be a great source of relaxation. And, music can really help to distract us from upsetting thoughts or feelings of anxiety.

Whether it is playing an instrument, dancing, or just putting your headphones on and cranking up the volume, losing yourself in music can be very therapeutic.

Some people think that mindfulness may help people with OCD. There has not yet been much conclusive research Trusted Source into whether mindfulness is effective for OCD, but it can help people to manage their mental health in general.

Mindfulness techniques involve paying deep attention to your mind, body, and surroundings and working on how you respond to changes in your mental state.

Sleep, exercise, and diet

Many mental health problems tend to flare up as a result of not getting enough sleep, and studies have shown that OCD is no exception to this. So, making an effort to stick to a regular sleeping pattern can help a lot.

Again, try avoiding cell phones, laptops, tablets, and TV for at least an hour before bed; these can stop us from getting the sleep we need. People who are physically active are more likely to get enough nourishing sleep, so a little exercise — or even just going for a walk or doing some housework — can work wonders.

Alcohol, caffeine, and foods with lots of sugar can all disrupt sleep, so be careful to moderate your intake of these if you have OCD and problems sleeping.

That familiar quick hit of energy that comes with coffee or soda may feel necessary during the day, but as well as messing with your sleep, it can also boost anxietyTrusted Source and depression, thus potentially worsening OCD symptoms.

Foods that release energy slowly — such as nuts, seeds, pasta, rice, and cereals — are a preferable alternative because they help to balance blood sugar levels.

Drops in blood sugar levels can bring about depression and fatigue, which may be destabilizing to people with OCD. And, ensuring that you drink lots of water — aim for 6–8 glasses per day — will improve your concentration and help to balance mood.

Although these strategies are by no means a one-size-fits-all cure, if you have OCD, you may find that some of these techniques are helpful in avoiding or minimizing the effects of your triggers.

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Guidance for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection

COVID-19 1. What has changed

The self-isolation advice for people with coronavirus (COVID-19) has changed. It is now possible to end self-isolation after 5 full days if you have 2 negative LFD tests taken on consecutive days. The first LFD test should not be taken before the fifth day after your symptoms started (or the day your test was taken if you did not have symptoms). The self-isolation period remains 10 full days for those without negative results from 2 LFD tests taken a day apart.

2. Who this guidance is for

This guidance is for:

  • people with symptomsthat may be caused by COVID-19, including those who are waiting for a COVID-19 test result
  • people who have received a positive COVID-19 LFD or PCR test result (whether or not they have symptoms)
  • people who currently live in the same household as someone with COVID-19 symptoms, or with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 by LFD or PCR test

In this guidance a household means:

  • one person living alone
  • a group of people (who may or may not be related) living at the same address and who share cooking facilities, bathrooms or toilets, or living areas – this may include students in boarding schools or halls of residence who share such facilities
  • a group of people who share a nomadic way of life for example those who live on Traveller sites, in vehicles or on canal boats

3. Symptoms

The main symptoms of COVID-19 are recent onset of any of the following:

  • a new continuous cough
  • a high temperature
  • a loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell (anosmia)

For most people, COVID-19 will be a mild illness. However, if you have any of the symptoms listed above, even if your symptoms are mild, stay at home and arrange to have a test. You do not need to take a PCR test if you have already taken an LFD test and the result was positive.

There are several other symptoms linked with COVID-19. These symptoms may have another cause and are not on their own a reason to have a COVID-19 PCR test. If you are concerned about your symptoms, seek medical advice.

If you have received one or more doses of COVID-19 vaccine and have any of the main symptoms of COVID-19 or have received a positive LFD or PCR test result, you should still follow this guidance. This is because it is still possible to get COVID-19 and spread it to others, even if you are vaccinated.

4. Tests for COVID-19

There are 2 main types of test currently being used to detect if someone has COVID-19:

  • polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests
  • lateral flow device (LFD) antigen tests – also known as rapid lateral flow tests

4.1 PCR tests

PCR tests detect the RNA (ribonucleic acid, the genetic material) of a virus. It takes some time to get the results because PCR tests are usually processed in a laboratory.

PCR tests are the best way to diagnose COVID-19 infection in people who have symptoms and who also may require treatment. If you have any of the main symptoms of COVID-19, you should arrange to have a PCR test.

4.2 LFD tests

LFD tests detect proteins in the coronavirus and work in a similar way to a pregnancy test. They are reliable, simple and quick to use and are very good at identifying people who have high levels of coronavirus and are most likely to pass on infection to others. When rates of infection are high, it is very likely that people with a positive LFD test result have COVID-19.

LFD tests can be taken by people at home (self-reported tests) or under the supervision of a trained operator who processes the test, reads, and reports the result (assisted tests). LFD tests are mainly used in people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19. If you take an LFD test and the result is positive, you should report the result and follow this guidance.

You do not need to take a follow-up PCR test, unless:

  • you wish to claim the Test and Trace Support Payment– to claim the Test and Trace Support Payment, you must have tested positive for COVID-19 following a PCR test or an assisted LFD test
  • you have received an email or letterfrom the NHS because of a health condition that means you may be suitable for new COVID-19 treatments – if this applies to you and you develop any COVID-19 symptoms, you should use the PCR test kit that was sent to you in the post for this purpose; if you have not received a PCR test kit you can arrange to have a PCR test
  • you are taking LFD tests as part of research or surveillance programmes, and the programme asks you to take a follow-up PCR test
  • you have a positive day 2 LFD test result after you arrive in England

If your LFD test result is positive you may go on to develop symptoms in the next few days. If you develop any of the main symptoms of COVID-19 and you are concerned, or your symptoms are worsening, contact 111 or speak to your GP. In an emergency dial 999.

 

Let fresh air in if you meet indoors. Meeting outdoors is safer

COVID-19 When a person infected with COVID-19 coughs, talks or breathes, they release droplets and aerosols which can be breathed in by another person. Meeting outdoors vastly reduces the risk of airborne transmission, but this may not always be possible. If you’re indoors, you should let fresh air in to reduce the risk of catching or spreading COVID-19.

The more fresh air you let into your home or other enclosed spaces, the less likely a person is to inhale infectious particles.

You can let in fresh air by uncovering vents and opening doors and windows. Opening your windows for just 10 minutes, or a small amount of time continuously where you can, makes a significant difference. This is particularly important before, during, and after meeting people you do not live with indoors.

Do not prop fire doors open. If you have an extractor fan at home, for example in your bathroom or kitchen, think about leaving it running for longer than usual with the door closed after someone has used the room. If you are concerned about the costs of heating, opening windows for shorter periods of time can still help to reduce the risk of the virus spreading. Wearing extra layers can help you to keep warm. You may be able to change the layout of your room so that you do not sit close to cold draughts from open windows or doors.

There is guidance for the public on how to ventilate indoor spaces to stop the spread of COVID-19, including if someone is self isolating. This includes advice on how to claim financial and practical help on heating your home.

Wear a face covering

COVID-19 spreads through the air by droplets and aerosols that are exhaled from the nose and mouth of an infected person. Whilst there is no longer a legal requirement to wear a face covering, the Government suggests that you continue to wear one in crowded and enclosed spaces, especially where you come into contact with people you do not usually meet. Find out more information about face coverings.

Working from home

The government is no longer asking people to work from home. People should now talk to their employers to agree arrangements to return to the office.

NHS COVID Pass

The NHS COVID Pass allows people to demonstrate their COVID-19 status to venues that decide to ask for it as a condition of entry. The app will allow people to generate a barcode that demonstrates that they are either fully vaccinated, have recorded a negative test result in the previous 48 hours, or are exempt from vaccination.

Venues and events are no longer required by law to check visitors’ NHS COVID Pass. However, some venues where large crowds gather or are in close contact may choose to continue to check the COVID-19 status of attendees and the workforce to keep everyone safer. Find out more about using the NHS Covid Pass.

Take a test if you do not have symptoms to help manage your risk

Around 1 in 3 people with COVID-19 do not have any symptoms. This means they could be spreading the virus without knowing it. Testing regularly increases the chances of detecting COVID-19 when you are infectious but are not displaying symptoms, helping to make sure you do not spread COVID-19 by staying at home and self-isolating immediately.

Rapid lateral flow testing continues to be available free of charge. You can get tests from pharmacies or online. Find out more about how to get rapid lateral flow tests.

You are at higher risk of catching or passing on COVID-19 in crowded and enclosed spaces, where there are more people who might be infectious and where there is limited fresh air.

You may wish to take a rapid lateral flow test if it is expected there will be a period of high risk that day. This includes spending time in crowded and enclosed spaces, or before visiting people who are at higher risk of severe illness if they get COVID-19. Report your result and if positive, self-isolate immediately and take a PCR test.

Certain places such as health and social care settings, schools and prisons have their own specific testing rules and guidance. You should always make sure you are aware of this guidance if you visit or work in these places.

Try to stay at home if you’re feeling unwell

If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, self-isolate immediately and get a PCR test, even if your symptoms are mild. You should self-isolate at home while you book the test and wait for the results. You must self-isolate if you test positive.

If you feel unwell but do not have COVID-19 symptoms, or your COVID-19 test is negative, you may still have an illness which could be passed on to other people. Many common illnesses, like the flu or the common cold, are spread from one person to another. This can happen:

  • when someone infected with an illness breathes, speaks, coughs or sneezes, releasing respiratory particles which can cause infection in another person
  • through surfaces and belongings which can also be contaminated when people who are infected with an illness cough or sneeze near them or if they touch them, the next person to touch that surface may then become infected

Staying at home until you feel better reduces the risk that you will pass on an illness to your friends, colleagues, and others in your community. This will help reduce the burden on our health services.

 

Definition of domestic violence and abuse

Domestic Abuse Domestic abuse describes a continuum of behaviour ranging from verbal abuse, threats and intimidation, manipulative behaviour, physical and sexual assault, through to rape and homicide.

It is a complex issue that all health care professionals should have some understanding about. They should be aware of who is affected, how individual victims may present in differing health care settings, how the subject could be approached, and most importantly what professionals can do to help and support victims of abuse.

The term Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is also often used interchangeably with domestic abuse, as a collective term used to describe domestic abuse, sexual assault and stalking. The term domestic abuse has been used throughout this resource which discusses all types of abuse within a domestic setting and not just between partners or ex partners.

In April 2021 the new Domestic Abuse Bill, which will lead to the creation of new Statutory guidance. For more information, see: Domestic Abuse Act: Factsheet (Home Office in the media).

In May 2020 the RCN signed a collaborative letter in support of the reintroduction of the Domestic Abuse Bill and the Government’s ambition to transform the national response to this public health epidemic – an epidemic which has heightened during the current pandemic.

Domestic violence and abuse:

is not exclusively male against female

is not gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, culture or age specific

children growing up exposed to domestic abuse may suffer a range of behavioural and emotional disturbances. These can also be associated with perpetrating or experiencing violence later in life

the victim and the perpetrator are known to each other but not necessarily partners. Other family members, children and parents can be the perpetrators

victims and perpetrators may be among the health care professional community

it is a major safeguarding issue and all health care professionals have a role in increasing awareness, and being inquiring when confronted with behaviours that raise concerns and alarm.

Definition of domestic violence and abuse

The cross-government definition of domestic violence and abuse is:

“Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.”

Abuse can take many forms such as:

psychological

physical

sexual

financial

emotional.

Characteristics of domestic abuse

Domestic abuse is essentially a pattern of behaviour not generally limited to a one-off incident. The key differences between it and other forms of abuse are:

the survivor and the perpetrator are known to each other

unlike stranger abuse or violence, domestic abuse takes place largely in private and behind closed doors

there is often a lack of objective evidence that abuse has taken place

outsiders may take the view that that domestic abuse is less serious

the abuse rarely happens once and tends to increase in frequency and severity over time

the abuser may have a great deal of intimate knowledge about their victim and hurt them in subtle ways that may not be understood by others

physical injuries can easily be targeted on places on the body where they are unlikely to be seen by others

it is less likely to be reported to the police.

Five Rs for asking about Domestic Abuse

Safe Lives has published guidance to support health professionals to safely ask patients about domestic abuse (DA) in virtual settings for example on the telephone or online. It sets out five simple steps to help you identify and respond to people who might be at risk. It can be applied in services which use routine enquiry, for example maternity services, as well as services using clinical enquiry, such as general practice. See: Five Rs for asking about Domestic Abuse.

 

 

Guidance on Self-isolating During COVID-19 Pandemic

self-isolating When self-isolating, follow the:

  • stay at home guidance for people with suspected or confirmed COVID-19
  • stay at home guidance for non-household contacts of people with confirmed COVID-19

This will help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 to other members of your household and community. In both cases you must isolate at all times and not have contact with other people. There are only very limited circumstances when you do not have to do this, such as seeking medical assistance. If you do leave your home during your period of self-isolation for a permitted reason, you should maintain social distancing, keep 2 metres apart from other people, and wear a face covering where possible.

You may be entitled to a one-off payment of £500 through the NHS Test and Trace Support Payment scheme if you are required to stay at home and self-isolate, or you are the parent or guardian of a child who has been told to self-isolate. You should visit your local authority website for information on Test and Trace Support Payments and other practical support offered in your area including help accessing food. If you require prescription medication there is a medicine delivery service available through pharmacies and dispensing GPs.

You could be fined if you do not self-isolate after being told to by NHS Test and Trace.

Self-isolation exemptions

You’re not required to self-isolate if you live in the same household as someone with COVID-19, or are a close contact of someone with COVID-19, and any of the following apply:

  • you’re fully vaccinated
  • you’re below the age of 18 years and 6 months
  • you’ve taken part in or are currently part of an approved COVID-19 vaccine trial
  • you’re not able to get vaccinated for medical reasons

If you are aged 5 years and over and have been identified as a contact of someone with COVID-19, and you are not legally required to self-isolate, you are now strongly advised to:

  • take a lateral flow test every day for 7 days
  • take this daily lateral flow test before you leave your home for the first time that day

If any of these lateral flow tests are positive, you should immediately self-isolate in order to protect other people.

NHS Test and Trace will contact you to let you know that you have been identified as a contact and check whether you are legally required to self-isolate.

If you have previously received a positive COVID-19 PCR test result, you are not usually advised to be re-tested within 90 days of this result.

However, you should have a PCR test within 90 days of a previous positive PCR test if you develop any new symptoms of COVID-19 or you are required to take a PCR test upon entry into the UK.

If you are tested within 90 days of a positive PCR test result for either of these reasons, and the PCR test result is positive, you must self-isolate and follow the stay at home guidance.

You can find further guidance for household contacts and guidance for non-household contacts of people with confirmed COVID-19 infections.