Are you concerned about contracting MRSA while working in healthcare?

Virgo_RN, BSN, RN · Apr 11, 2009

It's the least of my worries.

Scrubby · Apr 11, 2009

Been there, done that, wore the t-shirt.

I had an IM injection a few years ago, it developed into an abscess the size of a golf ball and was infected with MRSA. Pretty nasty, but at least I got a room all to myself...

Belfegor · Apr 11, 2009

I have just completed the CNA course and am planning to continue on, with LVN being the next thing I complete. I am concered, however, about contracting MRSA while working in healthcare setting. Im just wondering what others working in healthcare, think about this and if you all are worried about getting MRSA? Or am I just being over worried?

Many (and I mean MANY) contract MRSA in the community. For all you know, you already are colonized by MRSA.

Working in health care increase your exposure to MRSA, but the incidence in the community is already so high, that it doesn't really make a difference.

Being colonized doesn't mean that you are sick or have an infection. It just means that you are a (healthy) carrier. If you don't have an deficient immune system, it isn't really a concern.

B.

StrwbryblndRN · Apr 11, 2009

My hubby already has it from abscess he had previously. I make the assumption everyone has it and try to avoid abx. I let my own defenses take care of infections as much as possible and take precautions such as hand washing, etc. What else can you do other than worry about it.

PAERRN20 · Apr 12, 2009

I worry more about HIV and even more so about Hep C. I agree though- MRSA in the least of my worries. When it doubt always always wear gloves and wash hands throughly.

star77, MSN, RN · Apr 12, 2009

No. I wash my hands and use universal precautions.

"How can I prevent staph or MRSA skin infections? Practice good hygiene:

Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.
Avoid contact with other people's wounds or bandages.
Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors."

Community-acquired MRSA is increasingly more common now.

"Data from a prospective study in 2003, suggests that 12% of clinical MRSA infections are community-associated, but this varies by geographic region and population."

(both above taken from http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_MRSA_ca_public.html on April 12, 2009).

postman · Apr 19, 2009

Many (and I mean MANY) contract MRSA in the community. For all you know, you already are colonized by MRSA.
Working in health care increase your exposure to MRSA, but the incidence in the community is already so high, that it doesn't really make a difference.
Being colonized doesn't mean that you are sick or have an infection. It just means that you are a (healthy) carrier. If you don't have an deficient immune system, it isn't really a concern.
B.

Your best defense against preventing MRSA is the same behavior against spreading it. Like not wearing (scrubs) in a grocery store. But that is a little too conscientious.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Apr 20, 2009

Let's check those judgmental attitudes here, folks..........they're unnecessary and unhelpful. And I'm not just saying that because I've had MRSA cellulitis three times. No one "deserves" to be infected with MRSA or any other drug-resistant bacteria; it can happen to anyone no matter how 'clean' they are or how well they use standard precautions.

'Nuff said.

nerdtonurse?, BSN, RN · Apr 20, 2009

The most "MRSA-ized" patient (skin, hand wounds, nares, blood, I mean EVERYWHERE) I had worked at the drive thru window of the local fast food place -- and she always had open areas on her hands. All I could think of was how many times did she take money, hand back change, the person takes the changes, eats a few fries on the way home, or rubs their nose after handling the money and they've introduced MRSA into their mouth or nares.

I'm more worried about the grocery cart, the doors at the mall, etc. I have a running shot of knowing if a patient has it. I don't know if someone in the public does....and going around in mask/glove/gown would probably REALLY scare the civies....

kanzi monkey · Apr 20, 2009

Current UTD online says 4-15% of healthcare workers are colonized with MRSA. (colonized--sick or healthy). General population--significantly less MRSA, but still substantial.

But, as a healthcare worker, those are your current ambiguous odds. Take home? Wash your hands. Relax. Ask your PCP for a nasal swab if you're concerned--if you're positive, try current decolonization treatment (ie, bactroban)

:)

Kan

diane227, LPN, RN · Apr 20, 2009

You should make the assumption that all your pts may have MRSA. It is a very common bacteria and if you did nasal swabs on your coworkers you would find that about half have positive swabs. Caring for a patient with MRSA really depends on the situation. When a pt has MRSA in a wound, and the wound is covered and not draining, your risk of exposure is low. If the patient has MRSA in the sputum, you will need to wear a mask in addition to your usual isolation garb. If you have a patient that is just plain dirty, who wont stop picking at the wounds etc, you should assume that everything in that room has MRSA. If you use proper isolation precautions and you use good handwashing, your risk is low. Don't take your stethoscope in the room, use a disposable. If you do have to take some type of equipment in the room, wipe it down with sanitizing wipes when you leave the room. Although MRSA is a common bacteria, the wound infections can be really bad and you really don't want to get it. And just a PS, if you have a patient with C-diff in the stool, those alcohol based hand sanitizers wont work. You have to use soap and water.