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What is Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)

State, local, and federal health officials are continuously monitoring and responding to an on-going outbreak of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). Cases have been identified globally, including within the United States.  Coronaviruses are not a new family of viruses and are common in different species of animals including camels, cattle, cats, and bats. In humans, there are multiple strains that can cause mild respiratory symptoms or even the common cold.  In years’ prior, other strains have been associated with SARS and MERS.

Additional Resources
Colorado Healthcare Facilities Urgently Seeking Staff

Colorado hospitals and long term care facilities continue to face a critical shortage of staff to provide ongoing care for both COVID+ and non-COVID patients.  Both urban and rural facilities are experiencing increase need for staff due to multiple factors, one of which is the increasing COVID+ health care workers.

Colorado Hospital Association is offering a central registration process for available nursing and respiratory therapy staff.  The systems is easy to access and register on and resources will be shared both short-term and long-term for contingency staffing.

Colorado Rural Health Centers are also coordinating a healthcare provider recruitment and retention program for those nurses that are looking for opportunities specifically in rural areas.

To access these links:

ANA Launches Nurse Suicide Prevention & Resilience Resource Site

National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is observed in September, but the need for awareness and resources is not bound by time or date. The American Nurses Association (ANA) is committed to meeting the needs of nurses by offering a NEW Nurse Suicide Prevention and Resilience Resource Site .

Research indicates that nurses are at a much higher risk of suicide than the general public. During this unprecedented time, nurses are struggling with mental health issues like fear, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress as they respond to COVID-19 and continue to care for all patients. Effectively managing these mental health issues are essential in nurse suicide prevention. 
To read more, access the resources and tools, click here.  
 

We encourage all nurses to check out the site, bookmark the pages, and share the resources with a colleague or a friend in need.  

Nurses, you are not alone.  Help is available.  Learn more here.

Workforce Resources

Self Care Resources

Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment

  • COVID19.Colorado.Gov  Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment & State Emergency Operations Center

CDC Updates

Federal and CMS Update

CMS Issues COVID-19 Guidance on Infection Control, Protective Equipment
The ever-growing list of resources from CMS includes guidance related to particular settings including hospice, SNFs, and home health.

CMS COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Health Care Providers Fact Sheet
In response to COVID-19, CMS is empowered to take proactive steps through 1135 waivers and rapidly expand the Administration’s aggressive efforts against COVID-19.

CMS Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention of COVID-19 in Nursing Homes
CMS is providing additional guidance to nursing homes to help them improve their infection control and prevention practices to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, including revised guidance for visitation.

OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19
Includes information on protection of workers with high exposure risk and personal protective equipment. Other OSHA information can be found here.

The Joint Commission Information and Resources
Includes regular updates.