The Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (PSNA), representing more than 218,000 registered nurses (RNs) in the Commonwealth, have been in discussions with the Governor’s office, the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Physician General to discuss the State’s coordinated approach to health care preparedness as we monitor the Ebola virus in our nation.

As our State’s strategy to address the Ebola virus continues to evolve, hospitals and their partners in nursing and medicine are coming together to emphasize that a solution-oriented, collaborative approach to Ebola preparedness is essential to effectively manage care of Ebola patients in the U.S. Ensuring safe care for patients, healthcare workers, and communities demands the combined efforts of inter-professional, state, and federal organizations. In addition to domestic efforts to prepare for and treat Ebola, an enhanced focus on the part of the United States and the international community to contain the outbreak in West Africa is fundamental to stopping the spread of this virus.

Hospitals, physicians, and nurses have the same goals in addressing any Ebola case: to ensure that all hospital and clinical staff are able to safely provide high-quality, appropriate, patient care. We are committed to ensuring that nurses, physicians and all frontline healthcare providers have the proper training, equipment and protocols to remain safe and provide the highest quality care for the patient. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updates the protocols and procedures involved with patient care and personal protective equipment, we will review and share updated guidance with our collective memberships as it becomes available.

Our nation’s hospitals, physician and professional nursing organizations remain in communication with one another and with our nation’s public health institutions at the local, state and national levels. We are committed to maintaining a strong collaborative effort to address this public health threat.