The Pennsylvania State Nurses Association (PSNA), representing more than 218,000 registered nurses (RNs) in the Commonwealth, testified during Thursday’s Ebola meeting with the Pennsylvania House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. PSNA provided comments regarding registered nurse preparedness related to the Ebola virus disease.

Last week, PSNA entered into discussions with the Governor’s office, the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Physician General to discuss our State’s coordinated approach to health care preparedness as we monitor Ebola in our nation. In collaboration with the Commonwealth, registered nurses and other members of the health care community are focused on a solution-oriented, collaborative approach to preparedness. It is our goal to effectively manage patient care, keep our health care providers safe and contain the virus in our State.

“PSNA appreciates the collaborative efforts between the administration, legislature and statewide health care organizations,” states PSNA Chief Executive Officer Betsy M. Snook, MEd, RN, BSN. “We are committed to maintaining a leadership role in relationship to this virus and any other public health threats. In addition, we are focused on reassuring the public and our patients of our preparedness and providing up-to-date information to our nursing workforce so that they can continue to provide safe, high-quality care to the citizens of our Commonwealth.”

PSNA also advocates that health care facilities develop clear, standardized protocols for personal protective equipment use and disposal to protect the safety and health of our healthcare providers, patients and the community. PSNA endorses continued use of best practices as it relates to standard infection control practices and following the CDC guidelines on Ebola protocol as they continue to be updated.