Bloodborne pathogens

Nurses General Nursing

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I was wondering what the general consensus is on working with other medical staff that you know has any bloodborne diseases like hep b or hep c, or hiv. Do you feel these people should be working in the medical field? If you worked with someone for years and then discovered that they had one of these, would it change your relationship with them? Would you invite them over for dinner? Would you still be friends with them? Would you give them the cold shoulder at work and/ or refuse to work with them?

Just in general, how do you feel about the situation?

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Specializes in Oncology/Haemetology/HIV.
I was wondering what the general consensus is on working with other medical staff that you know has any bloodborne diseases like hep b or hep c, or hiv. Do you feel these people should be working in the medical field? If you worked with someone for years and then discovered that they had one of these, would it change your relationship with them? Would you invite them over for dinner? Would you still be friends with them? Would you give them the cold shoulder at work and/ or refuse to work with them?

Just in general, how do you feel about the situation?

That it makes absolutely no difference whatsoever.

We all practice Universal precautions for that reason. We also often don't know which patients have these issues, as many are not tested and under no obligation to tell the healthcare team. Unless it is a pt well known to us or part of their admitting dx, we may not have that info.

What does friendship, dinner or work have to do with BB pathogens? Unless you go around randomly sleeping with coworkers, and everyone that eats dinner at your house, there is no reason for it to make a difference.

And a question for you. Why are you so concerned with this issue? Most people that you come in contact with these issues, you will not know about their status. Many do not know, themselves. Unless you cover yourself head to toe with a giant impermeable body glove everytime that you leave the house, you will touch things that have been handled by people with bloodbourne pathogens.

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caroladybelle,

Thank you for your reply and god bless you! I basically feel the same way about the issue. why do I ask , you say? because I know there are clinics out there that don't want to treat patients with any of these problems. So, therefore, if they feel that way about patients , then they probably would feel that way about their co-workers. If you read between the lines of what i'm trying to say, I am paranoid. I know people can be cruel. I thought the whole idea behind nursing was to treat the ill and the suffering with compassion. I'm sure you have probably figured it out by now that I am new to all of this. I am still in pre-nursing. I have been stomped on before and I didn't like it.

Anyway, thank you for your reply.

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I agree with Caroladybelle... unless you're planning on exchanging bodily fluids with random people, what does it matter. One of the nurses I work with on occasion is HIV positive... and if I were sick... he'd be right up there in my choice of nurses to take care of me! Most of the other people at work don't even know his status... and he only shares it with people he trusts.

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Universal precautions work both ways. I have worked with nurses that have both Hep C and HIV and it makes no nevermind to me. Would I have them to dinner? Why the (**&^%! not???

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Dont stick your self........

Sincerely:

The person who sticks people

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Specializes in Tele, Infectious Disease, OHN.

I am confused about the clinics who don't want to treat patients with these illnesses....Maybe because I work with HIV/ Hep C/ TB patients all the time. I have not had any problems with my patients getting seen where I send them, including things like extensive dental procedures...( read bloody). I assume everyone is a professional and behaves accordingly.The only probelm I have at times is coordinating benefits so everybody gets paid.

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Thank you all for your responses, knowing that there are nurses out there that it makes no difference to them will make my life a lot eaiser in the nursing world. And, thanks for not trying to make me admit to anything.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

I have many friends with blood born diseases. I just found out last night a guy whom I've been bowling with for the last six months is HIV positive. It doesn't change my perception at all. I would definately have him over for dinner, the same I would my coworkers.

There are many nurses with blood born disease, particularly Hepatitis. They are as safe as the next nurse.

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Specializes in geriatrics,med/surg,vents.

Mobilefox I was dx'ed with AIDS 3 years ago,don't know how long before that I was HIV+.I am still working as an LPN,some of my coworkers know my status.I am not bothered by disclosing my status but don't want my pts to know as I am afraid that it would make them nervous being cared for by an HIV+ nurse.I could be selling them short here I've noticed that the older population can surprise you.My status does not put anyone at risk,I am very careful about that.

As for dinner or going to someones house it has never been a problem between me or any of my friends and family.We often share food and taste each others food with no problem.HIV can only be spread through blood,semen,lady partsl fluids and breast milk.Not a usual part of a visit or dinner with friends.My man continues to test negative for HIV and of course we always use protection--yes HIV+ people can and do have sex.

For more good info on HIV- and usually hep and TB as they tend to go together-check out your local AIDS service organization.They will be happy to give you honest,well documented info probably even an inservice at work if this is an issue for you.You can always ask me if you have any questions too,I am a trained peer educator.Also try http://www.fight.org.

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Thank you all for your responses, knowing that there are nurses out there that it makes no difference to them will make my life a lot eaiser in the nursing world. And, thanks for not trying to make me admit to anything.

:icon_hug: :icon_hug: :icon_hug:

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I was wondering what the general consensus is on working with other medical staff that you know has any bloodborne diseases like hep b or hep c, or hiv. Do you feel these people should be working in the medical field? If you worked with someone for years and then discovered that they had one of these, would it change your relationship with them? Would you invite them over for dinner? Would you still be friends with them? Would you give them the cold shoulder at work and/ or refuse to work with them?

Just in general, how do you feel about the situation?

I look at it like this noone should be descriminated against no matter what. I would still treat anyone whether or not im working with them or not the same way in hwich i would like to be treated if it was me in that situation.

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