BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS (2 CEUs)

Introduction
The purpose of this module is to inform Nurse Assistants of the regulations designed by Occupational Safety and Health Administration Standards (OSHA) and to educate and reinforce knowledge regarding bloodborne pathogens and sharps safety as well as other important OSHA standards relative to infection control for healthcare workers.

Bloodborne Pathogens
A pathogen is something that causes disease. Germs that live in human blood and can cause disease in humans are called bloodborne pathogens. Bloodborne pathogens are infectious pathogenic microorganisms present in blood that can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes AIDS. Workers exposed to bloodborne pathogens are at risk for serious or life-threatening illnesses

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, the nurse assistant will be able to;

1. Have a basic definition of infection control.
2. Have an understanding of the goals of infection control
3. Recognize the importance of infection control regulations in the workplace.
4. Identify OSHA Regulations regarding blood-borne pathogens.
5. Identify regulations regarding sharps safety and handling