unprotected sex # 2.........

JMP · Apr 13, 2002

Since I took the time to read the post "unprotected sex" I just wondered, what exactly are you saying?

I read it twice and still do not understand...maybe I am missing something, since I did not read unprotected sex, part one.

micro, RN · Apr 13, 2002

JMP,

You are so right here. I went back and said, duh!!!!! Micro.....

so i edited my thoughts and put them into a semblance of english....thanks for the reminder.......

Micro

JMP · Apr 13, 2002

Stigma attached to nursing with AIDS........ should not be. I work in an IUC and last week had a positive pt........ he was treated the same by me, but not by everyone........he was an IV drug user, and some treated him differently.

I had a RT ask me if he was positive and asked the RT why they wanted to know.......RT said well, we should know if we are around him.

My response was, well with universal precautions we treat everyone as a potential positive.

Lots and lots of ways to get AIDS, but my friends, not all people with AIDS or HIV positive look like IV drug users. They could be a 75 year old man that reminds you of your grandfather.

There are still people who will treat people of a different race, people with AIDS, people of poverty etc. differently. That group of people are ignorant and education is what they need.

Level2Trauma · Apr 13, 2002

I think micro must have gotten high reading the posts on marijauna use before posting here...................I don't understand it either.

RNPD · Apr 13, 2002

I don't get it either, micro. Is there a link to the post you are referring to?-that may make this one clearer.

As far as treating people differently, I do not-however, I do take extra care with HIV+/AIDS. For example, if they are getting regular injections for pain, I'll request a pain management consult to try to get a tx that works w/o repeated chances for needlesticks. (Although I guess I would do this for anyone geting frequent injections for pain-so maybe not the best example.) I do treat addicts differently-I make it a point to give their pain meds on time-their tolerance is usually so high, that they frequently aren't held by standard doses and schedules, so I also attempt to get the doc to increase both dose and frequency.

I have seen other people treat addicts horrendously-some people seem to think it's OK if you get HIV from a partner but not from drug abuse. But they are deserving of the same respect for their life as any human being.

But since we are human, I understand the human tendency to judge others-we just can't let it interfere with our care for that person or ever express disapproval of them as a person-however, therapeutic disapproval of their self destructive ACTIONS is a different issue.

Agnus · Apr 13, 2002

I do not treat any one differently. Have we all forgotten that hepatitis is MUCH MORE virulent than HIV?

I consider myself at risk and at risk to others by virture of my profession. I at anytime can cotract any disease including blood borne. I have been stuck with a large bore needle. went through the testing. Tested negative. But I am acutely aware that it doesn't take a sharps stick for me to be exposed to anything. I am acutely aware that I have more of a chance of getting hepatitis from a non stick than I do of getting HIV from a Hiv contaminated stick. HiV is not my biggest fear. I am also conscious that because you are 90 years old does not mean the risk that you have a blood borne diseas is any less.

Universal precautions, period. Anything less is an insult to your , your patients, and your family's dignity. You can test neg one day and pos. the next you do not know EVER that you are anyone else is clean. So I do not have a problem dealing with any type a patient. I consider everyone a risk. To me any risk is a high one.

PS I have at least one know family member who is Positive for AIDS. When I see him I do not behave differently than I would if he were not postive. We hug and kiss. I have cared for aids patients. I use protection wher appropriate.

I have had patiens ask me why I use golves when there was no know disease present if I was afraid of catching something from them. My answere to all patients is the gloves are as much for thier protection as for mine. as I am exposed to many different patients and I would not want to carry something from one patient to another.

When I care for an AIDS patient I am concerned about carrying an opertunistic infection to him/her and have declined to care for them when I have an infection.

micro, RN · Apr 18, 2002

just micro seeing if any takers on this train of thought out there today.....

off to work with my white hat and heels.........not.....

see you all on the floors.....

micro

micro, RN · Apr 29, 2002

Originally posted by micro
just micro seeing if any takers on this train of thought out there today.....
off to work with my white hat and heels.........not.....
see you all on the floors.....
micro

I am just so aware of all that is out there and what people in this world and nation and nations are dealing with. As far as contracting myself.....I just am the wisest that I can be both professionally and otherwise.....

But what also concerns me is the stigma and the prejudice out there and even within our circle of caring.....

those that may have.......you name it.....

those that have.........=they are less worthy.....

those that do not have $$$ insurance.....

those that are repeat visitors.........

those that are ______+

those with _______________-

those that______________.

just thinkin and talkin and using my posts wisely as the # is counting down.........ssbm:nurse: :idea:

off to work in a couple *.........

nhnhtim

Brownms46 · Apr 29, 2002

You know it surprises me how many people think they can't get aids. I wonder sometimes about the people I have seen when I worked OB/GYN...how many women who got STDs from their long time boyfriends or even husbands...ever tested positive for HIV???

I mean with all the infildelity out there...I wonder how someone who knows or even suspects their mate is cheating...can sleep with them...without using a condom???? I mean when you sleep with your mate ...and don't use condoms....you're taking your life in your hands. Geeze when you have sex period...with anyone you're taking your life in your hands.

I know many partners who would have never ever thought their mate would cheat on them....but they did! I have a friend whose husband everyone "thought" loved her to death!! Well guess what he sure did...and she is living with the results! I also recently saw something on TV ...where a guy was taking back his neighborhood by videoing...all the "johns" who came on his street to have sex for money...and guess what...just about all of them were married!!!

I taught my children from an early age...that the decision to have sex was something to made with a sober mind..and shouldn't be entered into lightly. That no form of protection was foolproof...and they would need to feel that could trust their partner with their LIFE ...because they would be....and that marriage was no protection against getiting STDs! If they had any resevations...that it was better to go without...or at the very least ....risk hurting someone's feeling by demanding a condom be used...whether married or not!

I think too many women and even men...put themselves at unneccesary risk...so as not to lose their partners.....as you hear often...."my partner doesn't like condoms". But they're the ones with the STD!! I'd rather lose my partner than my life...especially if the partner gives no thought as to my safety. People are always saying..."you know when your partner is being unfaithful" Bull...a lot of folks have been caught off guard...and had NO clue!

Finally ....I try to treat everyone I care for as I would wish to be treated. I have cared for many Aids, homosexauals, and drug abusers...and believe they all deserve the same treatment as everyone else!

Many people are in the hospital who have diseases that could affect my health...but if I'm going to be there as their nurse...than I have to put my own feelings aside when I care for them. Not my business how they got what they have....just my business to do my job... period