From Custody Health to Hospital Infection Control: One Nurse’s Journey and Policy-Driven Impact

Introducing the Infection Control Today's (ICT's) Editorial Board members—a diverse group of professionals dedicated to advancing infection prevention and control practices. This series highlights each member's unique expertise and contributions to the field.

From groundbreaking research to innovative strategies, these experts are at the forefront of enhancing health care safety. Join us as we learn their insights, experiences, and visions for the future, providing valuable knowledge and inspiration to elevate infection control protocols.

Eddie Jay LeCastillo, MSN, RN, CNL, CRRN, CIC, LTC-CIP, an infection control nurse at O'Connor Hospital, County of Santa Clara Health System in San Jose, California, and nursing manager at the Regional Medical Center of San Jose, entered the world of infection prevention unexpectedly, but now embraces it with passion and purpose. His journey began in a custody health setting just before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Originally hired as a quality improvement nurse, LeCastillo was quickly drafted into infection control when the pandemic hit, managing exposures, assisting health care staff, and helping law enforcement personnel understand transmission risks. What began as a reactive shift soon transformed into a career he is now fully committed to.

“I started my career in custody health services a month before the pandemic hit,” LeCastillo said. “Just imagine being in a brand-new facility; it felt like a completely different world for me. Working in custody was wild, especially since I had spent 7 years in acute care before that, transitioning from acute care to a more congregate setting in the jail.”

At O'Connor, LeCastillo emphasizes the foundational role of policies and procedures in infection prevention. He notes that clear, accessible documentation not only guides staff but builds trust and understanding. While infection control teams are often small and overextended, LeCastillo now dedicates time to thoroughly reviewing policies line-by-line, aligning them with CDC and regulatory guidance. His detailed approach has been well received by both frontline staff and leadership, helping to build a more informed and proactive culture.

In addition to internal hospital practices, Eddie monitors statewide alerts like those from California Health Alerts (CAHAN), staying aware of emerging threats such as H5N1. Real-time updates are critical for infection preventionists to stay ahead of potential outbreaks.

He also highlights the growing focus on manufacturer Instructions for Use (IFUs), especially during equipment purchases or introductions. Surveyors increasingly scrutinize how devices are cleaned and maintained, making it essential to review manufacturer instructions for use in advance and limit disinfectants to a few standard options to reduce staff confusion.

Looking ahead, LeCastillo is interested in how other facilities engage staff in adapting to new policies and procedures. For him, these documents are regulatory checklists and essential roadmaps for safe, consistent, and effective infection prevention across the health care spectrum.