BISMARCK, N.D. (KFGO) – The North Dakota Nurses Association says it does not support the decision by Governor Burgum to allow nurses who are asymptomatic, COVID-19 positive to continue to work in COVID-19 units at hospitals and nursing homes. Burgum says the decision was made to mitigate staffing shortages as the pandemic outbreak continues to spike and hospitals are reaching their limits.
The Nurses Association says guidance outlined by the CDC about providing care under these circumstances is the decision of the COVID-19 positive nurse and their willingness to work. If a nurse believes they are not well enough to provide safe patient care and chooses not to work under these circumstances, employers should not retaliate against the nurse for making this decision.
NDNA says all other measures to reduce the demand on the health care system and address staffing shortages should be used before implementing this particular strategy. This should include effective and scientifically proven preventative measures such as mandating mask-wearing in public places, maintaining physical distancing, and exercising good hand hygiene.
Burgum said hospital administrators asked for the extraordinary action to be taken and interim State Health Officer Dirk Wilke amended an order to allow the new measure to take effect.
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