HHC Health & Home Care Clinical Policy And

HHC HEALTH & HOME CARE Section: 13-13
Infection Control: Methicillin-Resistant Staph Aureus (MRSA) Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE), Precautions
For Care Of Patients With __RN__ HHA
INSTRUCTIONS
FOR CAREGIVERS WHEN GIVING DIRECT CARE TO PERSONS WITH
METHICILLIN RESISTANT STAPH AUREUS (MRSA) OR VANCOMYCIN –
RESISTANT ENTEROCOCCUS (VRE) INFECTIONS
Staphylococcus (Staph) is a bacteria that can be found throughout nature. Everyone has Staph on their
skin and in their mouth, nose, and throat. Enterococcus is an organism that can normally be found in the
digestive system and in the female genital tract. Most of the time, these two organisms do not cause
infection. However, MRSA and VRE are two types of bacteria that are often resistant to many drugs,
which limits treatment options.
Because MRSE/VRE are easily transmitted, the home care staff will be wearing gowns and gloves when
caring for a person with MRSA/VRE. This is to prevent staff from becoming infected and from carrying
the germ to other patients.
1. Wash your hands before and after any treatment given to the patient.
2. Wear gloves and a gown (or protective covering over your clothes) when you have direct contact
with the patient’s wound, mouth, or nose. Examples: changing the bandage, helping the person
brush their teeth/dentures, emptying urine drainage bags, handling bedpans, or bedside commodes.
3. Keep your hands away from your mouth and face while working. Wash your hand before eating.
4. Wash linens and clothing soiled with body fluids in a washing machine with hot water and detergent.
If bleach can be used, add one cup of bleach.
5. Use plastic bags to dispose of soiled tissues, bandages, bandaids, and gloves. Close and secure the
bag tightly, double bag, and discard in a plastic lined trash container with a tight lid.
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