The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) developed educational resources to prepare nurses and other healthcare professionals for the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. These resources offered critical guidance on infection control, patient management, and the effective use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Examples include training modules on proper donning and doffing procedures for PPE, ventilator management for critically ill patients, and updated guidelines for infection prevention and control within healthcare facilities.
Access to readily available and up-to-date information proved essential for protecting both healthcare workers and patients during the public health emergency. Standardized training ensured consistent practices across different healthcare settings, minimizing risks and improving the quality of care. This proactive approach contributed to a more robust and informed response to the evolving demands of the pandemic, helping to mitigate its impact on vulnerable populations and the healthcare system as a whole. Furthermore, it provided a foundation for future pandemic preparedness efforts.