NACCHO has partnered with the CDC and the University of California Irvine to create free state-of-the-art modules to train nurses in hospitals and nursing homes on the following key infection prevention skills:
- Bathing technique to prevent infection
- CHG (chlorhexidine antiseptic soap)
- Routine soap
- Caring for central lines to prevent infection
- Caring for wounds to prevent infection
Separate modules have been created for hospitals and long-term care settings. In addition, there are distinct modules for nursing assistants and licensed nurses, as well as hospitals vs long-term care (LTC) settings.
All modules are free on NACCHO University and offer educational credit. No payment or credit card required - just an email to create a MyNACCHO account. To access:
- Navigate to NACCHO University
- Click “Login via MyNACCHO”
- Click “No account? Create one!” to create a free MyNACCHO account
- From the NACCHO University home page, use the global search bar to search for the module titles listed below
- Select the module you are interested in and click “Register” to enroll
Bathing & Showering with Chlorhexidine (CHG) Antiseptic Soap
In multiple large randomized controlled trials, CHG bathing has been shown to reduce healthcare-associated infections by 31-44% in hospitals and LTC facilities. Proper CHG bathing practices help reduce bacterial burden on the skin and prevent serious infection. These modules train nursing assistants and licensed nurses on their individual roles for bathing, how bathing reduces infection, and correct ways to apply CHG, including for perineal cleansing, on wounds, on devices, and over dressings. Courses:
- Bathing & Showering with CHG for CNAs in Hospitals
- Bathing & Showering with CHG for RNs in Hospitals
- Bathing & Showering with CHG for CNAs in Nursing Homes
Bathing & Showering with CHG for LVN/LPN/RNs in Nursing Homes
Bathing & Showering with Routine Soap
If CHG has not yet been adopted, bathing training with routine soap can still be important to ensure full body cleansing for infection prevention, not just for comfort. Courses:
- Bathing & Showering for CNAs in Hospitals
- Bathing & Showering for RNs in Hospitals
- Bathing & Showering for CNAs in Nursing Homes
Bathing & Showering for LVN/LPN/RNs in Nursing Homes
Central Line Care
Reducing central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) is a key component for preventing healthcare-associated infections. Successful prevention depends on early recognition of problems in central line care such as redness, swelling, cloudy drainage, tenderness, and peeling dressings. Nurses are often the first to notice these problems due to the time spent with patients.
Modules for nursing assistants train them how to observe and report warning signs. Modules for licensed nurses train on proper assessment and response. Both modules train on the importance of teamwork among all nurses for early detection of problems. Courses:
- Central Line Care (Observe & Report) for CNAs in Hospitals
- Central Line Care for RNs in Hospitals
- Central Line Care (Observe & Report) for CNAs in Nursing Homes
- Central Line Care for LVN/LPN/RNs in Nursing Homes
CLISA Training & Practice Modules
To aid standardized observation, assessment, and response, the Central Line Insertion Site Assessment (CLISA) score has been proven to be an important tool for CLABSI prevention.
The CLISA score provides a standardized, objective scoring method to assess and communicate erythema, edema, and purulence at the insertion site. It conveniently uses the width of a central line catheter as a standardized ruler for scoring the severity of the problem. The following modules train licensed nurses on the CLISA score for assessment and response. Courses:
- CLISA Training for RNs in Hospitals
- CLISA Practice Set for Hospitals
- CLISA Training for LVN/LPN/RNs in Nursing Homes
CLISA Practice Set for Nursing Homes
Wound Care
Wounds and other breaks in the skin can be risk factors for infection. Paying attention to wounds through observation, timely assessment, and strong communication can be essential to preventing complications. Nurses are often the first to notice wound problems due to the time spent with patients.
The following modules for nursing assistants train them how to observe and report warning signs from wounds. Modules for licensed nurses focus on proper assessment and response. These modules are not intended to train nurses to become specialized in wound care, but rather to strengthen their roles in early identification and communication. Both modules emphasize the importance of teamwork among all nursing staff for early detection of problems.
Nursing Home Modules:
- Wound Training (Observe & Report) for CNAs
- Wound Training for LVN/LPN/RNs
These modules strengthen early detection, reinforce team accountability, and help prevent avoidable wound-related infections.
