In Iowa, we nurses are working hard to get a state law passed that would protect nurses who blow the whistle, from losing their jobs. I am curious about the educational standards for nurse anesthetists in Nevada. Here in Iowa, currently they need a Master's degree with appropriate education. IN some states, they may have as associate degree or bachelor's.

In addition, if these nurses could not stand up to this boss, how would we ever expect a nurse aide to stand up to RNs or Doctor's who breach other infection control practices. Simple handwashing! In addition, the staffing in major care institutions needs to be carefully considered. Handwashing is the most effective method to prevent transmission of pathogens. Is there time to perform effective handwashing and still care for the number of clients assigned on certain shifts with many procedures? Nurses on staff as well as managers and top nurse executives must seriously consider the ramifications of these staffing decisions. The entire team needs to take staff reports of dangerous conditions, i.e. an operating table that is electically active, seriously in the first days/hours of its being reported.

Jean M Ohlen, RN, MSN, Iowa