Infectious diseases (IDs) kill more people worldwide than any other single cause. Globally, infectious diseases are responsible for more than 25% of all deaths, second only to cardiovascular disease. Millions more individuals are affected by the most common types of infectious diseases which can have both short- and long-term health consequences. Infectious diseases are caused by pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi. The diseases can be spread, directly or indirectly, from one person to another. Zoonotic diseases are infectious diseases of animals that can cause disease when transmitted to humans.
The outcome of this certificate program is for the learner to describe basic infection control principles as well as describe how to recognize, treat, and prevent some of the most common (and often deadly) infectious diseases.
(13 contact hours)
Expiration Date: 2/23/2025
(Next date of course revision)
Conflicts of Interest and Relevant Financial Relationships: The authors/planning committee members have no conflicts of interest or relevant financial relationships to declare relevant to this activity.
Non-endorsement of Products: Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing nursing education only and does not imply ALLEGRA approval or endorsement of any commercial product.
Accreditation:
ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
ALLEGRA Learning Solutions courses are acceptable for continuing education in all states.
Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider #CEP 14693, for the stated number of contact hours.
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) & Certified Hemodialysis Technicians (CHTs)
The California Department of Health, Aid, and Technician Certification Section accepts continuing education offered by CA-BRN approved providers.
Certified Managed Care Nurse (CMCN)
The American Board of Managed Care Nursing recognizes all of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions' ANCC accredited courses for continuing education credit for Certified Managed Care Nurses (CMCNs).
Diabetes Educators
ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing nursing education by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. To satisfy the requirement for renewal of certification by continuing education for the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators (NCBDE), continuing education activities must be applicable to diabetes and approved by a provider on the NCBDE List of Recognized Providers (www.ncbde.org). NCBDE does not approve continuing education.
NAADAC (National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors)
ALLEGRA Learning Solutions is an approved provider with the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) (Provider #107194).
NCBTMB
ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education Approved Provider (Provider Number 451562-11).
Instructor(s):Cyndie Koopsen
Cyndie Koopsen, RN, BSN, MBA, HNB-BC, RN-BC, HWNC-BC is a nurse who has cared for patients in acute care settings, community clinics, and the home. Her professional nursing career has involved nursing executive leadership and administration, accreditation consultation, staff development and education, community education and wellness, and holistic care. She has designed, developed, and presented numerous educational programs for audiences covering integrative health, promotion and wellness, and chronic disease management and prevention. She is the co-author (with Caroline Young) of two health care textbooks. She is the co-CEO and co-founder of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC and has designed and developed over 300 online professional continuing education courses.
Caroline Young
Caroline Young, M.P.H., has an extensive public health background that includes experience in research, workshop presentations in various areas of health care, and online and onsite teaching. She has expertise in holistic community health and wellness program design, development, marketing, implementation, and evaluation. She has also designed, developed, and presented integrative health programs for culturally diverse populations, senior populations, and faith communities. She is the co-author (with Cyndie Koopsen) of two health care textbooks. She is the co-CEO and co-founder of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC and has designed and developed over 300 online professional continuing education courses.
Requirements:
Hardware Requirements:
- This course can be taken on either a PC, Mac, or Chromebook.
Software Requirements:
- PC: Windows 8 or later.
- Mac: macOS 10.6 or later.
- Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred. Microsoft Edge and Safari are also compatible.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader.
- Java.
- Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.
Other:
- Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.
Instructional Material Requirements:
The instructional materials required for this course are included in enrollment and will be available online.
Completion Requirements:
You must complete all lessons to receive your certificate. You must pass the final exam in all lessons with a score of 80% or higher AND complete the Evaluation Form in order to receive your Certificate of Completion. Finals are graded as Pass or No Pass. Receipt of your certificate indicates successful completion of the course and that you have passed all final exams with a score of 80% or greater. You may retake final exams as many times as necessary within the duration of the course at no additional charge.
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Lesson 1
Infection Control Basics
Each year, lives are lost due to the spread of infections in hospitals and other healthcare settings. Infection control procedures are a vital part of health care and patient safety measures used by every member of the healthcare team both in the United States and globally.
The outcome of this course is for the learner to be able to describe basic infection control measures used to prevent the transmission of diseases in the healthcare setting.
Influenza: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Influenza (commonly called the "flu") is a highly contagious respiratory disease that affects all ages and can cause significant illness and death. Striking hundreds of thousands of individuals worldwide every year, this disease can be prevented using a combination of techniques.
The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe clinical characteristics and treatment options for the influenza virus, including the 2009 H1N1 virus.
Pneumonia in Adults and Children
Pneumonia is an infection in one or both of the lungs. Globally, it is the leading killer of children under the age of 5 years. It is also common in the United States. There are several types of pneumonia, depending on the type of microbe (bacteria, viruses, or fungi) that causes it.
The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the epidemiology, signs and symptoms, testing, treatment, and prevention strategies for pneumonia.
Tuberculosis
Despite advances in their treatment and prevention, tuberculosis (TB) and multidrug-resistant TB, or MDR-TB, remain two of the world's deadliest communicable diseases. An ancient disease found in Egyptian mummies, TB and MDR-TB are increasingly difficult to treat, due, in part, to the emergence of drug-resistant strains of the disease and lack of resources necessary to fight the disease.
The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the epidemiology, signs and symptoms, testing, treatment, and prevention strategies for TB and MDR-TB.
The ABCs of Hepatitis
Hepatitis A, B, and C are viruses that affect millions of individuals throughout the world. They affect the liver and have a variety of etiologies and mechanisms of transmission. All forms of hepatitis can have significant economic and social consequences since infected individuals can take weeks or months to recover and return to school, work, and their daily lives. Long-term consequences of the viruses vary, but can include serious, chronic health consequences such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Prevention, early diagnosis, and effective treatment are essential in preventing the spread of these diseases.
The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the epidemiology, signs and symptoms, testing, treatment, and prevention strategies for hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E.
HIV/AIDS Education for Health Care Professionals
Since they were first described in 1981, more than a quarter of a century ago, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) remain a persistent and widespread threat to the health, well-being, and human potential of individuals in the United States and across the globe. Causing fear, guilt, and accusations, weakening the immune system and potentially leading to numerous infections, cancers, or death, HIV and AIDS remain international health issues. They require that healthcare providers be knowledgeable about the complex clinical aspects of HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases, as well as address ethical, cultural, and empowerment issues, and implement evolving infection control guidelines.
The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the incidence of HIV/AIDS, as well as describe symptoms, transmission methods, prevention strategies, testing, counseling, and treatment options available for individuals with HIV/AIDS.
Zoonosis: Can Your Pet Make You Sick?
For many people, animals are an important part of their lives, providing valuable social bonds, emotional support, and joy. Pets and other animals can contribute to a healing environment with their companionship, assistance, sensory stimulation, need for exercise, sense of calmness, and level of acceptance that is often difficult to find from any other source. Yet many diseases can be spread from pets to people. These diseases, called zoonoses, can involve bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections. People can also infect pets, as well. Maintaining a healing environment for all includes the prevention of infections from our pets and other animals.
The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe some of the most common zoonoses in the United States and to describe symptoms, treatment, and methods of prevention and treatment for these diseases.
Tickborne Diseases
In the United States, ticks carry many different pathogens that can cause a variety of human diseases. One of the most common of these is Lyme disease. Many tickborne diseases are challenging to diagnose because their symptoms imitate other common illnesses. The prevention of tickborne disease involves avoidance of tick-infested areas, the appropriate use of proper clothing, and insect repellents.
The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe tickborne diseases, with an emphasis on Lyme disease, and identify effective methods of preventing tickborne diseases.
Emerging Global Infectious Diseases
Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are an ever-present threat to the health and livelihood of individuals, families, communities, and countries all over the world. The greatest burden of EIDs lies in developing countries and among infants and children who are the most vulnerable to these infections and the long-term consequences of their presence.
The outcome of this course is for the learner to describe the characteristics of common EIDs and their effects on the health of global citizens.
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