Nurses' documentation of infection control precautions: 1.

Inadequate nursing records may contribute to untoward incidents and yet advised precautions for the control of infection can be poorly documented. The infection control nurse must promote a safe environment for the patient and ensure that an effective control policy is carried out. The literature suggests that nurses may lack the necessary knowledge and skills with which to assess, plan and evaluate appropriate care for safe infection control. This article, the first of two parts, discusses these issues together with various strategies at the infection control nurse's disposal that may influence nursing practice and the documentation of care.