Im recently starting my externship for my MA and I have a couple of questions regarding safety on the job etc.
I work under a LPN (who likes to be called "Doctor" even though she is not) She is in the office a total of 3 hours mostly seeing patients and the rest of the day We are left working without here under the direction of the office manager???
Im worried.. Not for the fact that I cant do this job I actually love working with patients etc. but, and correct me if Im wrong my MA school really stressed wearing gloves. Im allergic to Latex and its not in the budget for the place that Im externing at to buy me a box of gloves.. I brought this up to the LPN and she said "Oh, nobody her wears gloves anyways just wash your hands once or twice a day and you will be fine" Today I assisted in my first Pap test, Did a couple of EKG's a couple of injections, Gave a couple of enemas (Was told not to worry about gloving for that) Assisted with three Flexsig's (and I had to Clean it.. I wore gloves for that one but my hands SWELLED up cuz of the latex and there itchy and red.. and after cleaning it three times my hands cant take the gloves anymore.. and, well they don't care) I drew blood and was told "dont worry about gloves you will be fine" ( wore gloves anyways), A PKU test, and a couple of ear lavages and other random stuff.
My question is...
If I ask for non-latex gloves and I cant afford to buy them myself (I dont even know were to go) Dont they have to buy them for me? I mean as a saftey issue. Latex makes me feel gross. (Im allergice to condoms and have had asthma attacks after sex cuz of the latex) And, because Im just a extern they wont buy me a box. Does that seem right? I mean I know people become lax after awhile and dont wear gloves for ear lavages and Injections but the idea of giving a injection without gloves freaks me out. Like I said my school stressed ALWAYS wear gloves and it just does not feel right without them.
Giving injections and stuff without gloves feels forgein to me. The very fact that the doctor handed the speculum to the MA that was training me in her BARE HAND kind of grossed me out. I mean she did grab the handle but you never know right?
Am I just overreacting? Am I just germ phobic? LOL Is it ok to give injections and assist in pap tests without gloves?
First of all NurseKaren, you are a wealth of information!!!!
Ma_girl, you should follow your gut instincts! That NP is a major health risk!! WHAT ABOUT NOSOCOMIAL INFECTIONS!!! It definetely is the facilitys' responsibility to provide gloves for those with latex allergies. By the way, are you allergic to bananas? Read somewhere that this is often an indicator of latex allergy. Run away from that place and don't look back!!! but before you go make sure you inform the "powers that be" about that "Butt-head" and her unsafe practices... :(
Netty
15 Posts
Hello Everyone;)
First of all NurseKaren, you are a wealth of information!!!!
Ma_girl, you should follow your gut instincts! That NP is a major health risk!! WHAT ABOUT NOSOCOMIAL INFECTIONS!!! It definetely is the facilitys' responsibility to provide gloves for those with latex allergies. By the way, are you allergic to bananas? Read somewhere that this is often an indicator of latex allergy. Run away from that place and don't look back!!! but before you go make sure you inform the "powers that be" about that "Butt-head" and her unsafe practices...
:(
Netty