Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus in Critical Care Areas

Although vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are an increasing threat in critical care areas, the available treatments are not increasing at the same rate. Nurses working in these critical care areas are in a unique position to provide their patients with the care to prevent and treat VRE infections appropriately. This article provides a general overview of VRE, describes its origin, diagnosis, and management, and discusses strategies for surveillance and prevention.