Re: H1N1 -- in the NICU

We have a patient that was exposed by a staff member.. on contact & droplet precaution for a week.

Re: H1N1 -- in the NICU

Uh, yeah, us staff nurses all think that it's nuts that we aren't limiting visitation. Management just says we offer "family-centered care." Crazy....We say (healthy) parents can continue round-the-clock visiting, have specific grandparent visiting hours, and that's it. Of course, that's kinda what we always want, but at least now we have a legit reason. I see no reason for everyone and their uncle to be parading through an ICU during cold and flu season, ESPECIALLY this year. We are told (and have been told in the past) that if we see someone who has flu-like symptoms we can ask that they leave, and that if we say something like, "you being here with flu-like symptoms is dangerous to the baby you are visiting and all babies here in the unit, and I'm going to ask you to leave," that most people will leave. Yes, most people would leave if told that. I would hope that most people would just use common sense and not visit in the first place, but we all know that isn't true. And of course, there are always those few people that just won't leave. A few years ago, there was a dad who was obviously sick. When the nurse asked him to cut his visit short for the sake of his baby and the other babies in the unit, he became totally irate and threatened her. To the point where she requested an escort to her car each night for the remainder of the baby's stay (luckily not a long one!). Anyway...

According to the link I had posted previously (FAQs from the DOH), there are no religious exemptions to the flu vaccine. Medical exemptions only. The FAQs also cover what employers can do to employees that don't get vaccinated, and while they suggest reassignment in non-patient care settings, my hospital is stating that being vaccinated is a "condition of employment." Just like proving immunity to measles, mumps and rubella is and annual TB screening. And we were told that it could in fact result in termination.

Like I said before, I get a flu shot every year. But it has always been MY decision to. I am nervous about having to receive the H1N1 vaccine, since it is something I have never received before and it is relatively new.

Re: H1N1 -- in the NICU

Individuals who are allergic to eggs CAN NOT get the H1N1 vaccine. How will this be handled by facilities??

Re: H1N1 -- in the NICU

also, the vaccine is being rushed, prior to proper testing is finished. Also, no guarantee that the virus won't mutate...much like last years vaccine proved to be non-effective...

Re: H1N1 -- in the NICU

An individual who refuses the vaccine (regular flu or H1N1) based on a medical reason, such as an egg allergy, must have proof from a doctor. I agree with the fact that the H1N1 vaccine was rushed through clinical trials, as do most of my coworkers, and believe me, we are fighting. I know that nurses throughout the state are as well.

Re: H1N1 -- in the NICU

I agree with preemieRNkate, I'm in also not crazy about the idea of getting H1N1 vaccination. There are few, if any studies on it. Not only that but can we see what other current vaccinations have done to people recently (Gardasil in particular in which the FDA is still encouraging to young women to take). I know that this is something slightly differnet, but I'm not into taking such chances or the idea of Guillian-Barre syndrome.

Paranoid am I? Heck yes!!! I have 1 body & I'm bound to protect it. I don't see it fit that my job can fire me for standing up for something I don't see fit b/c lack of research.

Re: H1N1 -- in the NICU

Good luck...and I agree with you. It should be interesting to see how other sectors in the community handle this. Fire those who refuse vaccination, stay home if you are sick, family members are sick..not going to be too many "holding down the fort"...

Re: H1N1 -- in the NICU

I for one WILL NOT get the H1N1...so I guess it is Wal-mart here I come! LOL!

Seriously, my husband and two kids have had the H1N1 illness already (well, we are 90% sure they have). This is my body, my choice, and my right to protect it. I guess I will just have to be 'let go' for refusal. Let's see how many nurses they have left after the fire all of us.

Re: H1N1 -- in the NICU

My hospital states that if we are unable to get the seasonal or H1N1 vaccine due to documented medical contraindication, we must wear an n90 mask every day we work until flu season ends. Or we will not be allowed to work. Terminated, maybe not, but definitely not pulling a paycheck.

My system is requiring vaccination of ALL hospital employees, even non-pt care people. Even professors who teach in the University division. Even housekeepers.

I have no problem getting the vaccines. I usually do. But to see the government require them, is scary. I'll bet this "Emergency Mandate" carries over to next year and becomes the standard of requiring immunization every year.

Re: H1N1 -- in the NICU

At our hospital, if you have any signs of sneezing/cough...you are sent home for 7 days. If you don't have sick time, then you are just out of a week's pay.

Parents that are sick cannot come and visit their baby if they have ANY signs of illness. Siblings included.