Cats in the the facility

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jun 17, 2010

Four years ago I worked at a nursing home that had two cats and a small dog for the enjoyment of the residents. While I do not have any allergies to domesticated pets, I was annoyed by the fact that nursing staff had to clean up after any accidents that the animals had such as vomitus, urine, and poop. I worked the 3-11pm shift back then, and housekeeping staff was not in the building during those hours for the pesky clean-ups.

Jivane · Jun 17, 2010

Maybe I'm a little naive, but I'm completely shocked they would allow a (non-service) animal in the facility!

Personally, I am highly allergic to cats--Asthma, Hives, etc etc. Even if a cat is in the same house as me, I have a horrible allergic reaction. I had to be around them for a few years (insensitive roommates) and used allergy shots and Zyrtec to cope. It certainly helped with some symptoms, but it was still an uncomfortable environment.

With concerns of talking to the manager.. I would definitely bring up key points (possible allergic reactions by both staff and residents, Who's job it is to take care of pets, costs, etc.) Maybe not to make it overly personal, but address the concerns. Some people simply don't think things through. Good Luck!!

greenfiremajick · Jun 17, 2010

I'm starting a new job soon and it was brought to my attention that the facility will be getting a cat to be a pet for all the residents. The only problem is that I'm petrified of cats. I have nightmares about them. When I was 6 or 7 I even called the police on a cat ( and yes the police actually showed up). Ofcourse I wouldn't do that now, but the fear is still there.
Not only am I scared of cats but I'm also allergic to cats( and other animals). I have been hospitalized numerous times for asthma attacts from being around pets such as cats and dogs . Even when I take my meds, I'm still bothered.
I'm just want to hear from other nurses with allergies to pets that cope with working around them. I know the cat won't be sitting on my lap the whole time, but even when cats are out of the room or area I'm in my allergies still act up. I have not talked to my manager about my concerns yet by me being new. I also don't want them to think I want them not to have a cat just because of my allergies, I do believe the cat will bring much joy to the residents.
Any helpful information will be appreciated. Thanks !

Just remember to stare at it, as much as possible. A lot of people that hate cats, avoid looking at them and this makes the cat want your attention, even more! Depending upon the cat, this may, or ,may not, work...

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Jun 17, 2010

seems like a nasty way to do business.

jmking · Jun 17, 2010

I think you'll be fine. Most cats don't want to be around people who don't like them. Sorry, that you have had such a bad experiences with cats. They are pretty harmless. I've had over eight cats over the years.

mamamerlee, LPN · Jun 17, 2010

More amd more facilities are getting small animals - there have been numerous stories on TV about how some of them become very sensitive to patients who are actively dying - like the last 12-24 hours.

For some reason, there doesn't seem to be as much concern about allergies from the residents as I would have expected. I am not sure about how the facility wants to deal with a STAFF member's allergies.

As for the fear issues, I was very afraid of cats when I was much younger, then someone gifted a cat to me, and I fell in love. But I also have allergies, so when he died, there were no more pets. I miss him!

I am not sure how this will play out - when you accepted the position were cats mentioned? I used to be a home health nurse, and many homes had pets. I frequently had to ask the clients to please place the animal in another room while I was there. Few people objected. Many pets objected, though!!

Best wishes!

happy2learn · Jun 17, 2010

I would talk to the manager. Your manager needs to be aware of the severity of your allergies. I'm sure they would take precautions with a patient of their that may be allergic to cats as well.

Maybe there is a way they can keep the cat in certain areas, specifically ones you don't work in far away from you? I have 2 cats so I know cat hair gets around.

I personally don't have a problem with visiting pets or service animals. I can understand the mental benefits of having a pet around for residents, however, I don't really find it appropriate to have a permanent pet in the building.

The cat won't harm you. I know that doesn't calm your fears. If there were a pet spider in the facility I don't think I could handle it. My blood pressure would be through the roof all the time. I'd be a patient within an 30 minutes.

Of course, that's not an accepted pet, so I don't really have to worry about that. Just trying to relate one fear to another.

lifelearningrn, BSN, RN · Jun 17, 2010

Don't they worry about some of the residents having allergies? Cat's tend to be the worst offenders when it comes to pet allergies.. although there are 'new' breeds of cats that seem to be hypoallergenic for a lot of people with cat allergies.. maybe they are getting that breed?

That won't help your fear much but might my it bearable. Perhaps long-term exposure to the little kitty will help you overcome your fear. Cats have a way of growing on people.. maybe this will be you. Good luck!

happy2learn · Jun 17, 2010

Hypoallergenic! That's an option you can present to your manager. If they want a cat, they should get a hypoallergenic one. It seems like there are a quite a few people allergic to cats. It should also be declawed (the laser way- more expensive but the traditional way is painful and psychologically harmful to the cat.)

catshowlady · Jun 17, 2010

Just remember to stare at it, as much as possible. A lot of people that hate cats, avoid looking at them and this makes the cat want your attention, even more! Depending upon the cat, this may, or ,may not, work...

You are right, it may or may not work. Wouldn't work with my critters. They never met a human they didn't like. They seem to enjoy tormenting my brother, who is allergic. They pay way more attention to him than anybody else that comes over.

I miss my furkids when I am at work, but it's probably a good thing that we don't have cats at my work - I'd waste wa-a-y too much time petting the cat rather than doing my work! :lol2:

OP: I'm afraid I don't have much advice to offer, except maybe if you have a friend with a known friendly cat, perhaps you could try to desensitize yourself by spending time with it? If you lived near me, I'd offer mine.

:paw:

BabyLady, BSN, RN · Jun 17, 2010

Maybe I'm a little naive, but I'm completely shocked they would allow a (non-service) animal in the facility!
Personally, I am highly allergic to cats--Asthma, Hives, etc etc. Even if a cat is in the same house as me, I have a horrible allergic reaction. I had to be around them for a few years (insensitive roommates) and used allergy shots and Zyrtec to cope. It certainly helped with some symptoms, but it was still an uncomfortable environment.
With concerns of talking to the manager.. I would definitely bring up key points (possible allergic reactions by both staff and residents, Who's job it is to take care of pets, costs, etc.) Maybe not to make it overly personal, but address the concerns. Some people simply don't think things through. Good Luck!!

It's pet therapy and an accepted practice.

I work at a major medical facility and dogs are brought in every week for the enjoyment of the residents. These dogs are pre-screened, up to date on their vaccinations.

Yes, we often have to explain why we have dogs inside the hospital.

The OP is not asking the manager to make a reasonable accomodation...she is asking for all of the residents (paying patients) to be deprived of a pet for morale purposes because she has an allergy. I know of many people that have allergies and they can take medication to manage it.

I'm allergic to the scrub soap that I use at work..but I sure as heck can't use something else.