Nursing for Bioterrorism

State Specific:  This fulfills the continuing education requirement of 4 contact hours on Bioterrorism in Nursing for the state of Nevada. 

Summary:  With advancements in science and microbial genetics, there arises heightened concern about the potential misuse of these breakthroughs for acts of terrorism and warfare. Being adequately prepared becomes a crucial asset in effectively managing such attacks. Nurses and other healthcare practitioners are pivotal in this preparedness endeavor. It is imperative that they possess a foundational understanding of preventive and control measures, along with knowledge about various biological, chemical, nuclear, and radioactive agents that could be deployed in potential intentional attacks. Equipping healthcare providers with proficiency in preparedness, management, and treatment protocols facilitates a smoother transition to action in the event of a public health emergency. Recognizing the ramifications of bioterrorism in nursing is exceptionally crucial since nurses would undertake a significant responsibility in caring for individuals impacted by such an occurrence.

Course Overview:  

The course “Nursing for Bioterrorism” equips healthcare professionals with vital knowledge and skills to identify, respond to, and mitigate the impact of biological and chemical threats. It begins with an exploration of the nature and classification of these threats, highlighting their historical context and contemporary challenges in healthcare settings.

Participants delve into the diverse types of biological agents, including bacteria, viruses, toxins, and fungi. Through case studies and interactive discussions, they gain insights into the characteristics, modes of transmission, and clinical manifestations associated with various biological agents. The course then shifts focus to chemical agents, providing an overview of chemical weapons and their classification. Participants explore the physiological effects of chemical agents on the human body, learning to recognize and manage symptoms of exposure in affected individuals.

Further expanding their understanding, participants study radioactive and nuclear agents, including their types, sources, and effects. They explore radiation safety principles and mitigation strategies to minimize exposure risks in radiological incidents. A critical component of preparedness is the proper utilization of personal protective equipment (PPE). Participants learn about different types of PPE, their proper usage, fit, and maintenance protocols.

The course addresses syndromic surveillance and reporting procedures, emphasizing the role of healthcare professionals in early detection and response to potential incidents. Participants gain insights into the principles of syndromic surveillance, data collection methods, and reporting mechanisms for timely intervention and public health management.

Throughout this course, learners will read short articles and then do self-review of the material covered.  There are case studies to provide a comprehensive review of the course content and practical application to reinforce learning.  By enhancing their understanding of biological and chemical threats and their management strategies, participants are better prepared to safeguard public health and mitigate the impact of potential incidents. The course fosters a culture of preparedness, collaboration, and effective response among healthcare professionals, ensuring that they can effectively address the complex challenges posed by biological and chemical threats

Author:  NIHE Faculty

CE Hours:  4

Course Created on:  2/25/24   Course Expires on:  2/25/27

Target Audience:  

• Registered Nurses (RN)
• Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN)
• Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN/LVN)

Completion Requirements:

1. Enrollment in the course by the learner
2. Read and learn all course materials
3. Complete the course evaluation
4. Attest and testify learning of the course materials

Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest and Relevant Financial Relationships

Neither National Institute for Healthcare Education nor any authors, planners, content experts, or contributors have any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

Accreditation Statement:  

National Institute for Healthcare Education, the parent company of TopNurseCE.com, is a CA Board of Registered Nursing CE Provider #13886. In this course, we will discuss nursing for bioterrorism.  It will take the average learner 4 hours to complete. 

Disclaimer:

The information provided in this course is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the independent medical judgment of a healthcare provider in considering diagnosis and treatment options for a particular patient’s medical condition. Copyright © 2024: All rights reserved. No part of the materials may be reproduced without the express written consent of TopNurseCE.com Professional Educational Institution. The content of this course is intended to provide general information on the topics covered. This information has been prepared by experts with practical experience in the subject matter. This should not be considered medical, legal or professional advice. TopNurseCE.com recommends that individuals contact a licensed medical, legal or professional provider in their respective state. While TopNurseCE.com uses reasonable efforts to ensure that all content provided in this course is accurate and current at the time of publication, TopNurseCE.com makes no representations as to its applicability to your particular situation. No guarantees are given and reliance on them does not constitute liability. Material. Testimonials are collected from feedback surveys submitted by customers. The model presented is for representation purposes and is not intended for actual customers.

Course Outline:  

Module 1 Introduction to Biological and Chemical Threats 

1. Overview of Biological Weapons 
2. Classification of Biological Weapons

Module 2 Biological Agents 

1. Types of Biological Agents 
2. Characteristics and Effects of Biological Agents

Module 3 Chemical Agents 

1. Overview of Chemical Weapons 
2. Classification of Chemical Agents 
3. Characteristics and Effects of Chemical Agents

Module 4  Radioactive and Nuclear Agents 

1. Overview of Radiological Weapons 
2. Types of Radioactive and Nuclear Agents 
3. Characteristics and Effects of Radioactive and Nuclear Agents

Module 5  Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 

1. Importance of PPE in Biological, Chemical, and Radiological Threats 
2. Types of PPE 
3. Proper Usage and Maintenance of PPE

Module 6  Syndromic Surveillance and Reporting Procedures 

1. Overview of Syndromic Surveillance 
2. Reporting Procedures for Biological, Chemical, and Radiological Incidents 
3. Role of Healthcare Professionals in Syndromic Surveillance

Module 7  Conclusion 

Learning Objectives:  Upon finishing the course, the learner will be proficient enough to confidently articulate and assess their knowledge and skills for the following at a rating of 4 out of 5 on the Likert Scale.

1. Learners will be able to describe the concept of biological weapons and their potential impact on public health.
2. Learners will be able to identify various types of biological agents and their characteristic effects on individuals and communities.
3. Learners will understand the classification of chemical agents and recognize the signs and symptoms associated with exposure to these agents.
4. Learners will be able to differentiate between different types of radioactive and nuclear agents and comprehend their potential health effects.
5. Learners will understand the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) in mitigating risks associated with biological, chemical, and radiological threats.
6. Learners will be able to describe syndromic surveillance systems and demonstrate proficiency in reporting procedures for various incidents involving biological, chemical, and radiological agents.
7. Upon completion of the course, learners will be able to explain the role of healthcare professionals in syndromic surveillance and their contribution to public health preparedness.
8. Learners will have developed strategies for enhancing preparedness against biological, chemical, and radiological threats in healthcare settings.