Governor Kasich, Ohio Nurses Association Working Together to Ensure Safety, Preparedness

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 16, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Kasich spoke with registered nurse and ONA CEO, Lori Chovanak, early Tuesday evening over concerns regarding the preparedness of Ohio's hospitals, nurses and healthcare workers if an Ebola outbreak were to occur in Ohio. Chovanak explained Ohio's nurses are expressing great concern of Ebola preparedness and are requesting additional training, support, and resources. ONA requested that all healthcare facilities take three courses of action immediately:

1) Practice drills of the entire healthcare team regarding the scenario of a possible or confirmed Ebola case. The drill needs to include practice steps, including quick assessment and identification, proper isolation and appropriate notification of the health department for further direction.

2) Additional training including use and removal of appropriate persona protective equipment (PPE) for the care of an Ebola patient.

3) Measures to ensure proper supplies are available.

In response, Governor Kasich confirmed in conversation with ONA that both the Ohio Hospital Association and the Ohio Department of Health have been contacted, demanding healthcare facilities ensure these three courses of action are completed as soon as possible.

"I am very encouraged in our collaborative work with Governor Kasich. The governor is taking this issue seriously, as we all, especially as healthcare workers, must do. All nurses in the state need to ensure that the efforts of ONA and state officials are being carried out in their facilities," stated Chovanak.

The recommended action items from the Ohio Nurses Association are a result of Ohio nurses voicing their concerns regarding training, preparation and communication from their employers.  Many nurses who responded to a survey launched by ONA demanded a directive be given to their facility to begin practice drills, education and training. The nurses are eager to work with their healthcare facilities to maximize the preparedness to effectively care for an Ebola infected patient.

The Ohio Nurses Association will continue to proactively work with the governor's office, other state offices and healthcare organizations to ensure all healthcare professionals are properly trained, informed, and supported. 

"We understand how important this information is to nurses. We will continue to push as much information as possible to our members and others via social media, emails and our website, which hosts all of the latest Ebola information, resources and news. Nurses are the front line caregivers and we will continue to ensure optimal care for our patients no matter what challenges we face," explained Chovanak.

The Ohio Nurses Association has over 9500 members and represents the voice of professional nurses in Ohio. ONA is affiliated with the American Nurses Association and American Federation of Teachers: Nurses and Health Professionals.

SOURCE Ohio Nurses Association