I am a 2nd year BSN student and thus far feel that nursing will be the career that makes me the most happy. I have looked at others such as business, but they only bring boredom to mind. I a currently taking Microbiology Infection & Immunity. It is so neat learning about all of the bacteria and viruses and the diseases the cause, but it scares the heck out of me! Do any of you nurses ever feel that you are in danger of contracting a disease from a patient? Does it really even happen much? It is a concern for me, but I dont want to let it keep me from being a nurse.
Also, are incidents of patients abusing nurses very common? I know they happen, but is it really something to worry about?
I had to smile when I read your post because it seems all of us get paranoid when we hear or read about certain conditions. You will witness this phenomenon all thru nursing school. As to your question, I don't worry. I use universal precautions and wear a mask whenever I feel it necessary, regardless of whether the patient is in isolation. If I feel it is necessary, I wear it. I keep gloves in my labcoat in case I am not close to a box of them when I need them. I have gotten ill only once due to a patient and it was MY fault. He was an infant with Rotavirus and was too cute for words so I had to give him a hug. Too close for comfort, as it turned out.
Yes. But then cops, firemen, our beloved military men and women ...face MUCH more danger than we do.
When I think of what these people go to everyday I don't feel so sorry for myself.
Even my friends who are teachers face a much higher degree of danger than in days past...it's the nature of the world we live in today. None of us are as safe as we used to be...anywhere.
I contracted hep B when working overseas (Bangladesh, India), but got over it (lab results after a patient exposure shows "antibody titer consistent with immunity"). I get bronchitis & laryngitis 2-3 times a year. And yes, I do wash my hands, a lot. Doesn't stop me, and I don't worry about it. Take the standard precautions, wash a lot, and if you do get sick, STOP AND TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF. If I try to keep going sick, I stay sick longer. If I call in, and stay home to rest, I'm back at work & efficient much sooner.
Lived with lots of orphans, with active TB all over the place, my skin tests don't even blink. Lots of AIDs care, and no problems. Had typhoid go through, and cholera in one city. If you stop to worry about it, you'll never enjoy nursing, and you'll miss out on a lot. Again, just wash & take care, then take care of yourself. It's worth it!
Now in the ER, security is always nearby & willing to help, only been bitten once, and that was over 5 years ago:roll
purplemania, BSN, RN
2,617 Posts
I had to smile when I read your post because it seems all of us get paranoid when we hear or read about certain conditions. You will witness this phenomenon all thru nursing school. As to your question, I don't worry. I use universal precautions and wear a mask whenever I feel it necessary, regardless of whether the patient is in isolation. If I feel it is necessary, I wear it. I keep gloves in my labcoat in case I am not close to a box of them when I need them. I have gotten ill only once due to a patient and it was MY fault. He was an infant with Rotavirus and was too cute for words so I had to give him a hug. Too close for comfort, as it turned out.