6.0: Introduction
Nurses are responsible for consistently providing patient care that adheres to current evidence-based practices and meets professional standards and guidelines. There are effective scientific and practical control methods to prevent the development of infection and the transmission of diseases in a healthcare setting. Nurses provide healing care to patients of all ages and stages of life. While they are able to foster the emotional aspects of healing, clinical safety must be at the forefront of decisions to make sure both patients and healthcare providers remain safe. While it is widely understood that practices such as handwashing and covering a sneeze are important in everyday life, nurses hold a deeper responsibility to prevent and control infection against the most dangerous infectious agents.