Q:
What can a Director of Nursing (DON) do to ensure an effective antibiotic stewardship program is in place?
A:
The DON plays a significant role in establishing and maintaining an effective antibiotic stewardship program. Here are key strategies the DON can implement to ensure the success of such a program:
- Leadership Commitment: Advocate for the importance of antibiotic stewardship at the executive level. This includes providing the necessary resources, supporting training initiatives, and setting the tone for the significance of this issue.
- Policy Development: Collaborate with the facility’s interdisciplinary team, which includes physicians, pharmacists, infection preventionists, and quality assurance personnel, to develop clear and comprehensive policies and protocols for antibiotic use.
- Monitoring and Surveillance: Implement a system to review antibiotic prescriptions to identify any patterns of misuse or overuse. This may involve collaborating with the pharmacist to ensure appropriate dosages and recommend alternatives when necessary.
- Feedback Mechanisms: Establish a process in which the nursing staff receives feedback and shares any identified areas of concern. Regularly discuss these concerns at staff meetings.
For more information, visit:
Nancy Casperd BSN, RN, CHC, CDP
Clinical Consultant
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