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Discussion

contact with vre pt without gloves/gown

Hi all

Lastnight on the overnight shift I had a very confused pt on contact precautions for vre. At one point last night he somehow managed to get his lapbelt off and get out of his wheelchair. He is very unsteady on his feet and has had several falls including a recent head lac. So with that in mind I ran to catch him without wearing a gown or gloves. I washed my hands and arms verywell but I am still worried. I realize this will likely not pose any threat to me since I have a healthy immune system but my questions is was the handwashing likely sufficient and if not how long am I at risk for infecting other patients??

Any info provided is appreciated I had a terrible time on google lol

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    My hospital doesn't use isolation for VRE any more, even amongst our most vulnerable populations. We haven't for years, so that should tell you how at risk you are from this exposure. Obviously if your facility says isolation is required, you should be doing that is normal situations, but I don't think anyone will fault you for stopping immediate harm to the patient.

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    If he was simply colonized with VRE, or was VRE positive in a contained area (like wound culture) you risk of contracting VRE (if you aren't already colonized) simply from touching him is exceptionally low. Ho do you think people are going to interact with him when he is discharged? Would these patients be allowed to freely roam in the community if they were that dangerous?

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    In regard to How long am I at risk for infecting other patients?” You are far more likely to contract MRSA or VRE from the community than from the hospital. Your patients are at greater risk from the germs you bring in with you every day than this patient you touched.

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    My hospital doesn't isolate for VRE anymore either. You're fine, and risk of you passing it on to someone else is pretty much nonexistent.

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    • Author

    Oh what a relief, thank you for the replies! I am a new nurse only about 6 weeks in so this was my first time with vre. The charge nurse said I didnt need to disclose it but I wasnt sure if she just didnt want to do paperwork lol. So glad to have you more experienced nurses :)

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