contiguous patients advice

[para]

Hi everyone,

I watched a CNA video today talking about how to protect yourself from contiguous pts and it kinda scared me. I myself have a germ phobia problem to start with( I am kinda Monk-ish). So the thought of catching things like TB,HIV,HBV or HCV to name a few frightens me. The precautions and risks to a newbie is a lot to take in. I understand why there are so many precautions to take. I also am happy to see what to do to protect myself and other against contiguous diseases. Do any of you have any tips or advice to ease my fears? I am more worried about starting out new right from school and getting like an HIV pt. I know I will be trained, but it takes a while before you don't make any mistakes. Does anyone know places to work that offer less exposure like maybe a doctors office or home heath care? Are there units in a hospital that might have more pts with contiguous diseases then other? I think if I can get over my fears I will make a great nurse. I really do care for others that is why I want to be a nurse in the first place. Thanks so much for taking the time to answer. I really look forward to hearing from all of you who have experience.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

The easiest way to reduce contamination with germs is good hand-washing. That's it in a nutshell. If you are truly germaphobic - I would pursue a different career.

[para]

The easiest way to reduce contamination with germs is good hand-washing. That's it in a nutshell. If you are truly germaphobic - I would pursue a different career.

Thanks for your reply.I appreciate and understand your response. I think maybe I gave the wrong impression when I said I was Monk-ish. I am germ-phobic. I carry hand sanitizer with me where ever I go, I disinfect my kitchen when raw meat is being cooked and I wash my hands more time then I can count daily.I can get over the germs with nursing. I know I will wash my hands more often then I do now and change my scrubs and shoe before leaving work. Then put my scrubs right into the washing machine when I get home.I am more worried about protecting myself from air borne and blood blood borne diseases (contiguous diseases). Like I said I know I will be trained, but I am still human and worry a little. I don't worry about how I will treat the pt.I know I will treat them with kindness and respect(like everyone else) I worry I will miss an important step being new or tired and put myself in harms way.Is it common to have such pts like on a daily basis? Am I getting worried about nothing because once I am trained I will be ready for these kind of pts ? Does anyone know the statics of nurses/medical works who get infected with such diseases? Any info you can give me on this topic will really help me put my fears into perspective. I like to plan ahead for things so when then come I am ready to handle them the correct way.Thanks again!!