Circulating RN ethical question

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Specializes in ICU, Research, Corrections.

Hi guys and gals,

I am due to graduate in early December. I have always ruled out the OR as a place to work because I have hepatitis C, (through no fault of my own). I recently did clinicals in the OR with the circulating nurse and I really liked it. My gut instinct has always been NOT to work in the OR due to the possiblity of transmitting the Hep C to a patient in a very comprimised position. The reason I am asking your opinions is because I noticed the circuating nurse does not really enter the sterile field, thus there is little chance of an accident where my blood could actually contaminate the patient.

Opinions please?

Thanks,

Lu Ann

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You will be moving instruments many times when cleaning up after the case, and issues could still arise. Circulators do help with turnover of the room as well, at least in most facilities.

You may be the one to open and set up a room as well, though not being the one that will be scrubbed in during the case.

These are a few other things to also consider.

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I don't see how it would be a problem as long as you don't scrub in. I can't envision a scenario where your blood would end up in a patient. I think the probability would be greater out on the floor.

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Lu Ann, I suggest checking with Employee Health at the hospital where you want to work. I can't imagine that you would put patients or coworkers at rish as a circulator, but that would be a decision your employer would have to make.

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There is presently a case here in the UK of a surgeon with the same condition under investigation for not disclosing his condition. I think it is not worth the risk to patients for you to work in the OR although that sounds awful. However if ever there was a question of your blood contaminating a patient or member of staff I think you would feel awful.

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Specializes in ICU, Research, Corrections.

Thank you all for the feedback :) I think I will plan to never work in the OR. There are so many specialties I could work in; why take the risk. Right now I am LPN externing in transplantation until I get my RN in December. I like it so much I think I will stick to it.

THanks again,

Lu Ann

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