H
ow big of a problem is the overuse of antibiotics? The Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 20% to as
much as 50% of all antibiotics prescribed in U.S. hospitals are
either unnecessary or inappropriate. The fallout from this chronic over-
use can be significant — antibiotics are becoming less effective on the
one hand, and patients are becoming more vulnerable to infections such
as C. diff and MRSA on the other (since overprescribed antibiotics kill
the "good" bacteria that help protect against so-called superbugs).
Where nurses fit in
Surgical nurses can help mitigate the chronic overuse of antibiotics.
Here's how:
Compare clinical practice guidelines to the antibiotics being prescribed.
Review prescribed antibiotics and initiate discussions with surgical
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Improving Your Antibiotic Prescribing
Nurses can prevent antibiotic overuse by becoming stewards.
Infection Prevention
Amber Wood, MS, RN, CNOR, CIC
• CHRONIC OVERUSE Talk to surgical team members when you observe the potential overuse of antibiotics.
