Am I a CHICKEN?-Second thoughts about nursing

[jphume]

am i a chicken? i'm been working on my pre-req's to enter the medical profession as a nurse and i've got to say that i'm really bothered with what i've been reading/hearing. the latest two reports that have been released to predict the spread of the h5n1 (avian flu) show devastating losses - particularly among those in the healthcare profession. i've got a wife and two kids and although i know everyone will be at risk the thought of putting my family is freightening. i tend not to be an alarmist by nature so i don't think i'm worrying for no reason.

anybody else have any thoughts on this? :wink2:

[Antikigirl, ASN, RN]

If it isn't avian flu it is something else...there is alway ALWAYS something else. Your chances of having something news worthy hit you is much slimmer than getting the typicals we watch for like hepatitis! The trick is know your universal precautions, USE THEM, and do your homework!

My hubby is a paramedic, I am a nurse. Want something to come at us and good chance if we didnt' watch our universal precautions...my entire family will get it! Especially my hubby who has to be in close quarters with ill patients of who knows what!!!!

Universal precautions are there for a reason, use them like your life depended on it...cause it always will.

Also remember..if you want to be a nurse, you wish to care for these patients unbiasly no matter what they have! Think of ways to prepair yourself mentally and physically for those challenges...they need you...it is up to you if you choose to be there.

I don't fear contagious diseases...I RESPECT THEM. I do what I need to keep them from infecting me and other patients by using universal precautions and hygeine! So far so great!

Another hint...either change scrubs in hospital or as you walk in the door at home. My hubby and I get to go into our private bath and change/shower before we even see our kids..this is understood! Good rule to have!

Another big hint...if it is newsworthy expect the info to be very bias and larger than life...AND carefully watched for! It is the items that are not newsworthy that are risky...use your universal precautions and it doesn't matter what it is...you risk is low. Know how it spreads and use the proper equipment for protection!