Development of a qualitative respirator fit testing program for BSN students

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Infection Control
• Public Health

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted nursing student clinical education.
• Hospitals had high numbers of COVID-19 patients, restricting student access due to personal protective equipment (PPE) concerns.
• Standard infection control requires N95 respirators for airborne precautions, necessitating fit testing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the challenge of limited clinical opportunities for nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To implement a feasible N95 respirator fit testing program for nursing students.
• To facilitate safe clinical experiences for nursing students in environments with COVID-19 patients.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative N95 mask fit testing was conducted.
• Testing was performed by university faculty, staff, and students.
• The process adhered to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines and standards.

Main Results:

• Over 50% of the nursing student population completed N95 fit testing within 3 months.
• The program successfully increased clinical placement opportunities for students.
• The university-provided fit testing ensured compliance with safety protocols.

Conclusions:

• University-led N95 fit testing is an effective solution to expand clinical opportunities for nursing students.
• This initiative allowed nursing students to gain essential experience while adhering to critical infection control standards.
• Addressing PPE accessibility through fit testing is vital for maintaining the quality of nursing education during public health crises.