Do I Really Pose That BIG of a Threat? Or Is he Overexaggerating?

allnurses Guide · Jan 12, 2009

We use universal precautions when dealing with patients, including required personal protective equipment. We shouldn't have anything on our uniforms that you wouldn't have by hanging out at the grocery store.

Trauma Columnist · Jan 12, 2009

He's seems quite overboard with his "precautions." No need to do all of this at all. Heck, otherwise All nurses's families would always be ill and that's not true at all.

melmarie23, MSN, RN · Jan 12, 2009

Needless to say, he is not behind me pursuing nursing

Personally, I'd be more concerned that he is not being supportive at all about your dreams and your goals. Isnt supporting your partner one of the main components in a marriage?

I just dont see this boding well, especially since school is so stressful in of itself, but then to come home to an environment where you dont really have that support system that you need to help cheer you along the way.

And yes, your finance is being extremely paranoid. I think the best you can do to quell his fears is explain to him about how universal precautions are used at all times.

I wish you luck. I sure hope that he comes around.

OncallRN · Jan 12, 2009

well, I think he has his head in the sand if he think that your only exposed to pathogen in a hospital. who know what the person who used the shopping cart ahead of you at the grocery store had...

that being said, I do try to change out of my work clothes if I've done " dirty work" once I'm home.

all that aside, it's hard to be successful in any field is your SO is going to give you a hard time at every turn

seasoned hopeful · Jan 12, 2009

:heartbeatyou know sometimes our spouses get scared because they think we will be totally changed by our education. (and it is probably true). however, they need to realize that your happiness is their happiness and together anything can be accomplished. he is probably feeling insecure and does not know how to express it. that is just my guess:twocents:

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · Jan 12, 2009

He can get exposed to germs, diseases, and other illness, just as much as nurses can ! No one is safe anymore. He can get sick from being around a co-worker, or passing by a stranger who isn't covering their cough. The probability goes on ! When I was in prereqs taking micro, we had to collect cultures from every day objects and places... You would be suprised how much bacteria grows and where ! He needs to grow up ! Nowadays anyone is susceptible to becoming ill. Precautions start with us... washing our hands, wearing gloves, and getting immunizations as well.

Bea1128 · Jan 12, 2009

:yeahthat:

I also agreed with Seasoned Hopeful!

Besides, has he never used a public bathroom? I would guess that, despite the illnesses, a hospital and those who work there are much cleaner than that!

lovehospital · Jan 12, 2009

I'm preparing to become an RN but as I do this all my fiance talks to me about is the consistent exposure I will have to diseases, blood, undiagnosed symptoms, etc...and the fact that I could potentially expose him & our son to. He said I will have to take my shoes off in the car, take off my uniform immediately & shower every time I come home (just in case) Needless to say, he is not behind me pursuing nursing (he can't stop me only annoy the crap out of me). I have in the past, mainly to pacify him, pursued other careers but I'm a nurse at heart. :redbeathe I see his point & I know what comes with the job but any suggestions on how you make someone understand why nurses put themselves out there like that with all thats out there.
Thanks!!

Does he also tells you will end up leaving him for a doctor?

coolpeach · Jan 12, 2009

I am about to start my second semester in an RN program. I had some fear prior to the beginning of first semester that I might get sick more often, and even bring it home to my kids and make them sick. I wasn't thinking anything big, but just colds etc which would mean everyone felt bad, and missed days etc.

I went through the entire semester of clinical, and only got sick once with a cold thing. And guess what my son brought that home from school, and was sick a week before he gave it to me. I practice universal precautions, and wash my hands a million times even when not at the hospital.

I started by leaving my shoes in the trunk, and changing, and showering soon as I walk in the door. Now my shoes are under my bed with all my other shoes. I started thinking abou it....The wheels on my rolling backpack were all over the hospital floor too, and I didn't leave it in the trunk. When I would visit a relative in the hospital do I leave my shoes in the truck when I come home? NO!!! I still shower as soon as I get home, but just because I have spent 12 hours workin really hard, and need to unwind.

TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN · Jan 12, 2009

Most fear is born from ignorance. Try to give him the benefit of the doubt for the time being. Educate him on the reality of the risks that your new position could pose for him and your son. If he still insists on over-reacting, then their may be something behind his protests other than concerns for the family welfare! It can be scary for people on the periphery of these professions though. Give him, and your relationship, a chance and see how it turns out.

As a nurse you will have to educate, you may as well start now!