Will you work during a Pandemic?

Ayrman · Feb 13, 2009

Thanks for the article, Al. Interesting to know that our foreign counterparts have the same misgivings and problems that we contemplate here.

Ayrman

Equinox_93 · Feb 13, 2009

i have two preschool aged children. they come first. period. with full hazmat suit and decon room? maybe. but with h5n1 having an over 50% mortality rate? i doubt it. not with children at home.

admin note: please note, we just added the poll to this thread (4-25-08), so please take a second and vote in the poll so we can get a graphical idea the responses. thanks
scenario:
h5n1 (the bird flu) mutates to become efficient at transmitting human to human causing a pandemic, with a case fatality rate of 60% and with 80% of the cases in the 0-40 year old age range.
see:
http://www.wpro.who.int/nr/rdonlyres/fd4ac2fd-b7c8-4a13-a32c-6cf328a0c036/0/s4_1113.jpg
hospitals will be quickly overrun. hospital staff shortages are 50%. the government orders all nurses to work. there is not enough personal protection equipment (n95 masks, gloves, goggles, tamiflu, vax, etc)
home quarantines become common (in the fed plans).
your family is also quarantined in your home. you are running out of food and the government promises you will be "taken care of" if you report to work.
will you go?

NursingtheHeart · Feb 13, 2009

I would feel badly about not going to work because there are usual illnesses being admitted as well. However, I definitely would not allow government officials to sit in safe, clean office buildings and order me to work (or to my death). :no:

indigo girl · Mar 17, 2009

http://afludiary.blogspot.com/2009/03/and-new-survey-says.html

Over the past several years a number of polls, surveys, and studies have attempted to quantify just how many HCW's (Health Care Workers) would choose not to work during an influenza pandemic.
The `official assumption' is that up to 40% of hospital employees could be absent during the peak of a pandemic.
This assumes that some HCW's will be ill, and some would be home taking care of sick family members, while still others might choose not to work out of concern over their safety or the risks to their families.
Surveys and polls conducted both here in the United States, and around the world, call into question just how realistic this 40% absenteeism number really is.
Repeatedly we see polls indicating that between 30% and 50% of HCW's won't be willing to work during a pandemic.
When you add in the absenteeism due to illness, or caring for loved ones who might be ill, the 40% absenteeism estimate begins to look overly optimistic.

LilyBlue · Mar 17, 2009

Nope. I'd be home with my babies, where my first and foremost obligation is. And I wouldn't feel remotely bad about it.

LilyBlue · Mar 17, 2009

MY goodness, it is true, we have become a nation of" WHAT ABOUT ME. WHAT ABOUT MINE", no wonder we have been called the ugly americans and can sustain involvement in any venture longer than 60-90 days. Get a grip, if there is a pandemic and we don't want all of us terminated then some of us will have to RISK exposure without PPE. nanacarol

Uh, I'm not worried about being terminated. I'm worried about being transferred - to the Eternal Care unit.

.

ozoneranger · Mar 17, 2009

I won't be working, & I sure as heck won't be taking the vaccine. Doesn't anybody remember the swine flu.....how many people died from that vaccine?

No, thank you. I'll wash my hands & stay away from crowds.

flygirl43 · Mar 17, 2009

I worked in Toronto during SARS, and sadly remeber how our provincial gov't tried to sweep the whole thing under the rug to protect tourisim. We lost quite a few nurses over it (Via death). The law suits are actually going through court right now. We had 1 N95 mask on the trauma unit, and a Dr took it. Hows that for protection. I will never trust them again to tell me the truth and protect us from harm. We are "disposable" and the economy comes first (never mind trying to white wash their negligence) I will always protect myself, family and friends first. That is who I have a primary obligation too. I didn't sign up for a "death squad" when I took nursing. I have rights too. So expect the sick call. Terminated or NOT!

indigo girl · Mar 17, 2009

Uh, I'm not worried about being terminated. I'm worried about being transferred - to the Eternal Care unit.
.

Good one, LilyBlue!!! The Eternal Care Unit!!

Girl Scout · Apr 28, 2009

Here's the thing. I decided to enroll in CNA & PCT classes. First day of class is May 26. If this blows over, I'll be happy. If it doesn't, and gets worse, I'll still go to class until they tell us not to come.

As far as work, if I'm working, and it is a pandemic and it's severe enough for me to question whether it's sane to even leave the house much less work in a hospital or nursing home, I would stay home.

However, my grandmother is in a home. Luckily, though, my dad runs that home. It could be possible that I would be able to volunteer there to get some experience. However, I think their pandemic plan calls for them to shutter, and I'm not sure if that means he'd have to stay. I don't know what I'd do, honestly. I'd worry for my grandmother, but if my dad was there, I'd worry less. But if my dad and me were both there, that'd leave my mom on the outside, to fend for herself. She's a strong woman quite capable of handling stressful situations but in times like these we all seek comfort in our loved ones, and if she's cut off, I think it would just worry me more than I could stand. If she got sick, without anyone there, it would be horrible.

I also hate the idea of being separated from my grandmother during something like this...

I don't know, honestly. I'd like to say I know what I'd do, but honestly I don't really think I know. I'm sitting here questioning any possible decision. I wish it were black and white for me - like NO I would not go in to work, period! - but I think it's mostly shades of gray.

vsigns · Apr 28, 2009

Try not to worry so much girlscout. We all know that a possible pandemic can be serious. The CDC also says this swine flu virus could diminish or escalate. They do not know yet. If it does escalate, you could take your mom with you to the "home" where your grandmother and father are. If your father runs the place, maybe you and your mom could help out your dad. If it diminishes all the worry was for nothing. Live, laugh, love today. Don't worry so much about tomorrow, things may be much better who knows? Stress and worry can have very negative effects on your body, then you might not be strong enough to help when needed, be strong. It is obvious you love them and respect your parents. They are wise girlscout follow their lead. Someday, you may have to lead. Take care!:redpinkhe

devi, ADN, BSN · Apr 28, 2009

Thought this would be the thread to share this, since we've discussed availability of appropriate PPE during a pandemic.

Anxiety in Mexico City

Near the end, there are a few healthcare workers complaining about not being given masks at the hospital. Other healthcare workers had the masks on, so I don't know if they just ran out that day and gave them to employees in direct patient care first or what. Still, though...

Will you work during a Pandemic?

Nurses, would you go to work during a Pandemic?