The Department of Health and Human Services has established a Web site (https://volunteer.hhs.gov) and toll-free number (1-866-KAT MEDI) to help identify healthcare professionals and relief personnel to assist in Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.
The desire of Americas healthcare professionals to use their skills to help Hurricane Katrinas victims has been inspiring, Secretary Mike Leavitt said. This Web site and toll free number are important tools to become part of this network of goodness that is taking place.
Multidisciplinary healthcare professionals and relief personnel with expertise in the following areas are encouraged to visit the website and register to volunteer for appointment by HHS:
Administration/Finance Officers
Nursing Assistants/Nursing Support Technicians
Chaplain/Social Worker
Nursing Staff Directors
Clinical Physicians
Patient Transporters/Volunteers
Dentists
Pharmacists
Dieticians
Psychologists
Epidemiologists
Physician's Assistants or Nurse Practitioners
Environmental Health
Physician Chiefs of Staff
Epidemiologists
Respiratory Therapists
Facility Managers
RNs
Housekeepers
Safety Officers
IT/Communications Officers
Security Officers
LPNs
Social Workers
Medical Clerks
Supply Managers
Mental Health Workers
Veterinarians
Individuals must be healthy enough to function under field conditions. This may include all or some of the following:
-- 12-hour shifts
-- Austere conditions (possibly no showers, housing in tents)
-- No air conditioning
-- Long periods of standing
-- Sleep accommodations on bedroll
-- Military ready-to-eat meals
These workers will be non-paid temporary federal employees, and will therefore be eligible for coverage under the Federal Tort Claims Act for liability coverage and workmans compensation when functioning as HHS employees. Although there will not be any salary, travel and per diem will be paid. Individuals with no healthcare background can find information on volunteering at USAFreedomCorps.gov or by calling 1-877-USA-CORPS.
Source: Department of Health and Human Services
Dear Helpdesk: Working in a Toxic Health Care Environment
March 28th 2024Dear Helpdesk is your steadfast companion, offering life coaching and workplace advice from 2 seasoned IPs for some of your most challenging real-life situations. Let us help you navigate the intersection between work and life, guiding you to navigate the dynamic world of infection prevention with confidence and grace. This article is on handling a toxic health care environment.
Product Locator: Spring and Early Mother's Day Gift Guide for Infection Prevention Personnel
March 27th 2024Whether it's a spring holiday, birthdays, or no reason at all, infection prevention personnel love to give and receive gifts that help at the end of a stressful day. Infection Control Today® offers some gift ideas for infection prevention personnel and their families.
Catching Up With Vangie Dennis, AORN 2022-2023 President at AORN 2024
March 26th 2024Infection Control Today (ICT) had the privilege of catching up with Vangie Dennis, MSN, RN, CNOR, CMLSO, at the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses' (AORN’s) International Surgical Conference & Expo 2024. As the former president of AORN and an esteemed figure in perioperative services, Vangie Dennis shared insights into her recent endeavors and the exciting new chapter she's embarked upon.
How To Optimize Your Time Management Strategies for the Busy Infection Preventionist
March 25th 2024Is your calendar resembling a chaotic masterpiece of overlapping tasks? Join the club of infection preventionists striving to balance responsibilities. Dive into proven strategies from a fellow infection preventionist to reclaim control of your time, streamline tasks, and boost productivity effectively. This is an IP Lifeline article.