Will you work during a Pandemic?

Ruper · Apr 29, 2008

I admire those that would jump in with both feet. I don't think they love their families any less. I'm saddened they think those of us that would be hesitant shouldn't be nurses. I try to live by the beliefs I have been raised by. God, Family, Job.

Laidback Al · Apr 29, 2008

I admire those that would jump in with both feet. I don't think they love their families any less. I'm saddened they think those of us that would be hesitant shouldn't be nurses. I try to live by the beliefs I have been raised by. God, Family, Job.

Ruper, dedication to the job versus dedication to one's family is not the issue. The real issue that should be debated is the failure of government agencies, hospitals, and other health care facilities to stockpile adequate PPE in the event of a pandemic.

Being a martyr for some kind nursing ideal is foolish. Individuals, including HCWs, need to protect themselves during a pandemic so they can survive and help rebuild after it is over.

425april, ASN, RN · Apr 29, 2008

All of these are such good points. I would be dedicated as a nurse to the people we help, but, with a family at home, it would be very difficult to decide which place to serve first. It will take all of our combined talents and skills to combat a disaster such as a Pandemic, for sure. It is good to know we will all work together in different ways if such an incident arises. :nurse: Now, with all honesty, I would probably be scared to death if this ever happened, and it may; however, I would let my heart guide me as well as my prayers as to where I would be most needed.

GadgetRN71, ASN, RN · Apr 29, 2008

I admire those that would jump in with both feet. I don't think they love their families any less. I'm saddened they think those of us that would be hesitant shouldn't be nurses. I try to live by the beliefs I have been raised by. God, Family, Job.

Plus, it's easy now to claim that you'd jump in with both feet but none of us can really know how we'd react until it happens. I have to admit, I'm chuckling over the responses that slam nurses who have the temerity to look out for themselves and their family. I bet these are the same types who routinely don't get their breaks/lunches and wouldn't dream of holding the PTB responsible. :rolleyes:

I've posted earlier and my answer is still the same. I would not report to work under conditions where employees are not protected. I do not trust the government to look out for us, and I certainly don't trust hospital administration to do it. :nono: Maybe that doesn't make me a "noble" nurse, but at least I won't be a dead one.

GadgetRN71, ASN, RN · Apr 29, 2008

Based on the scenario of no PPE, no I would not work. But I'm assuming that we would still need money, right? Money would still be necessary to survive in our society so I would probably have to work for food and shelter but only if there was PPE available. What good is money if I'm dying because I didn't have a mask or gloves? I don't know, its a hard choice. If it was clear that I was going to bring the plague onto my home I wouldn't do it either but really, how would I know? Interesting thought.

In my old age, I'm becoming more and more like my grandmother...she saved up HUGE amounts of money and much of this was not in the bank!(she lived through WW2 in europe, so she went through and saw a lot.) I have little stockpiles hidden away for true emergencies. Since Y2K, I've also started putting away bottled water and other supplies-I don't have big amounts of stuff but enough to get us by in case of disaster. I also want to learn how to shoot a gun...there's a range nearby that gives lessons.Never know if looting will be a problem!

Sometimes, I think I'm becoming one of those wacky survivalist types. :lol2: But, better to be ready for anything.

RNperdiem, RN · Apr 29, 2008

What if... What if there was an adequate stockpile of PPD? Would it be enough for nurses to report to work in a pandemic, or is the lack of PPD argument, an excuse to hide behind? I'm not trying to get flamed, but fear is part of human nature.

GadgetRN71, ASN, RN · Apr 29, 2008

What if... What if there was an adequate stockpile of PPD? Would it be enough for nurses to report to work in a pandemic, or is the lack of PPD argument, an excuse to hide behind? I'm not trying to get flamed, but fear is part of human nature.

I'm not hiding behind anything. I'll be honest and state that even if there were adequate amounts of PPE, I still might not show up. After all, 1) how long will all of this last and 2) I can see stockpiles of Tamiflu, masks, etc being taken by people who aren't expected to be on the front lines. Think I'm paranoid? A few years back, the hospital I was working for had a shortage of flu vaccine as did much of the country. The administrators and others with higher up desk jobs got their flu shots well before any of the RNs, CNAs or anyone else in direct patient care.

gentlegiver, ASN, LPN, RN · Apr 30, 2008

Sometimes, I think I'm becoming one of those wacky survivalist types. But, better to be ready for anything.

When I see how the public reacts during floods, and jury verdicts I can't help but think that the survivalist types may be right. Granted there are many people who will jump in and help, but the majority would roit and rip off everything not nailed down. I do know how to shoot a gun, I pray that I will never have to use it against another person. I really am much better at treating people than wounding them.

Ruper · Apr 30, 2008

"Plus, it's easy now to claim that you'd jump in with both feet but none of us can really know how we'd react until it happens. I have to admit, I'm chuckling over the responses that slam nurses who have the temerity to look out for themselves and their family."

Thanks WitchyRN. When I posted my comment I had been reading the slams, yet every one saying they wouldn't go didn't slam those that would. I was also feeling vunerable, I'm a new baby nurse fresh out of school trying to make it in the big nurse world, I'm sure that is enough said about that. So since this is really about having PPE I should have kept my comment to myself. Thanks again. I'm going to ask my employer what their plans would be for PPE's.

grace90, LPN, LVN · Apr 30, 2008

So since this is really about having PPE I should have kept my comment to myself. Thanks again. I'm going to ask my employer what their plans would be for PPE's.

For me it's not just about PPE.

In a pandemic, my family will be in danger.

When the cubs are in danger, Momma Grizzly is going home.

indigo girl · Apr 30, 2008

Drama considers pandemic possibility

http://tinyurl.com/3ptdnj

(hat tip PFI/Pixie)

I wish that they would do a national tour and let citizens across the

country see this.

The Theater Outreach and Education program at the University of Texas Medical Branch will present two performances of “The Flight of the Avian Flu.”
The abstract drama reflects the concerns health professionals and family members have when questioning moral obligations and the duty to treat during an infectious pandemic.
Performances are scheduled at 4 p.m. Wednesday and at 7 p.m. Thursday at Island etc., 2001 Postoffice St. The performances are free and open to the public.

nyapa, RN · Apr 30, 2008

I will never forget nurses in an Asian hospital during the SARS epidemic who were not allowed to leave the hospital, due to the risk of infecting the community at large. Not sure if this was because they had come into contact with the disease prior to it being identified. I would not knowingly be willing to take the same risk.

Yet I guess we do it every day really. The potential for one of these diseases to affect nurses is probably more likely due to our profession; our clients are usually sick, and they need to be diagnosed by medical officers. How many patients illnesses cannot be identified? If we were scared of disease, we wouldn't be nurses...

Will you work during a Pandemic?

Nurses, would you go to work during a Pandemic?