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by janhetherington Premium Member

Someone said something about coming in to the hospital during an epidemic, and I realized that I probably wouldn't. This shocked me, and made me realize that I seem to have lost my passion for the patient. I know why; it's been drowned out by my despair over customer service and my frustration over the endless "safety" protocols and regulations. How do you feel? Do you still feel that you are actually doing something valuable for patients when you go to work, enough so that you would take a risk like coming in during a serious epidemic? I don't mean just the flu, I mean something that would be life-threatening if you contracted it. For me, ten years ago the answer would have been a definite yes! of course! but not anymore.

[kelliegrl]

Re: Would you come in during an epidemic?

I gotta say, I agree with you. When I first started in nursing, I was so gung-ho, I'm certain I would have answered yes. Now, not so much. After almost six years, I'm so tired of being treated without respect, and having to cater to needs that are unrelated to the actual care of the patients in the name of "good customer service", that I'm just not sure that I want to put the general public's needs in front of my own/my family's. I feel that my contribution to health care has been very undervalued up to this point (by the public at large, or at least the larger portion of those that I and my co-workers care for)...I guess it's just worn down the samaritan in me, so to speak..wow, that's freakin depressing...

[Duflinkka]

Re: Would you come in during an epidemic?

Nope. Family and friends first.

[PICNICRN]

Re: Would you come in during an epidemic?

OP........... I so admire your honesty!! And after careful thought of your question, I would have to say that, my main concern would be for my family. I have to say that I feel very selfish.........and a little ashamed, but if it came down to my job or my kids--- no contest!!!

[Sue7573]

Re: Would you come in during an epidemic?

Oh that is depressing. That does really bother me. I don't intend to sit here and say I would be the first one there but I would go. YES! I would. I don't know if it is the new nurse that is speaking or what. I have been a CNA or volunteer for the last 20 years, and I still say yes.

And I would go for disaster or STAY for that matter.

Recently we had a scare. BAD storms rolling in threats of tornados what have you. Half the staff saying they would go home if a something happened.

First of all though. It is our policy to stay or come in whatever the situation merits.

I would be there.

[WitchyRN]

Re: Would you come in during an epidemic?

Doen't help that we all know that our workplaces and the government wouldn't be providing us with the proper safety equipment and resources, should we come in to work. I think Katrina showed us all that the government tends not to handle large scale disaster well!

[PICNICRN]

Re: Would you come in during an epidemic?

OK SUE7573.... I've stayed through many a blizzard in my career...... the OP is not talking about a weather situation. She said "something that would be life threatening if contracted." Think weapon of mass destruction! Would you go in if you could contract something that could be fatal to you and your family???? Like you would say goodbye, leave for work, and know you might not ever see them again???

[TheCommuter]

Re: Would you come in during an epidemic?

I'm a single person with no children, so I have no family concerns.

As long as my workplace made the situation appealing via double-time pay or large bonuses, I'd show up for an epidemic. I'm happy as long as I'm receiving a paycheck, even though it might be my last.

[Mulan]

Re: Would you come in during an epidemic?

Where do you think all the bosses would be? Probably safe and sound and far away.

[TheCommuter]

Re: Would you come in during an epidemic?

Originally Posted by Mulan

Where do you think all the bosses would be? Probably safe and sound and far away.

And the hospital administrator will probably be taking an extended European vacation.