Ebola - do you have the right to walk away?

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I just want your insight... would you or would you not accept the assignment if they gave you a patient positive for Ebola. Can you or do you have the right to walk away? :down:

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

We probably run exponentially more risk to ourselves getting into a car and onto the road every day than we would with Ebola, with the PPE we have.

If I did refuse such an assignment and something happened to the RN who *did* step up and care for his/her patient, I honestly don't think I could look myself in the mirror.

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Honestly, I don't know what I would do. It doesn't seem to bother anyone else, but it scares me. If a fully informed, aware doctor treating patients can pick it up despite precautions taken, why wouldn't I?

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Specializes in Psych, LTC/SNF, Rehab, Corrections.

One of my residents has HIV and Hep C. Drugduser. Two more have Hep C. I've done some volunteer work along the southern border and we're not even going to discuss the assortment of crud that those folks were fighting off.

*shrug*

If I don't have a problem taking care of ppl like this, why should i have a problem with Ebola? Something else that i dont get: Why are some acting as though Ebola just appeared this year?

Frankly, this media is handling this badly. As usual. Just tell us what it is, how its spread and how to prevent.

Then, again - at least everyone's paying attn. The media has to stir the public up, in ways. America is a jaded sleeping giant...and Americans are never so proactive as they are when they have something to be collectively fearful of and some entity to be angry with.

I wonder how long itll take before America declares "war" on Ebola? LOL

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Specializes in Reproductive & Public Health.

I would absolutely not refuse the assignment, assuming my facility could safely handle the case.

If I didn't have two young children at home (and if I wasn't 8 months away from finishing my CNM program) I would be in West Africa right now.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

I probably wouldn't refuse the assignment but I want a HAZMAT suit. I have 2 children at home....I probably would find somewhere else to sleep until they had a vaccine or meds to treat and have more information about how it is spread. Right now I am leary about all the intangibles and the look on the CDC spokesperson face like he wants to vomit...there is something he isn't telling us.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

I agree with Esme. There are a LOT of things being said that aren't true and there is a lot of info the media is not privy to, so they make things up. There is a definite spin going on here. The CDC has an agenda or a heavy dose of hubris in my own opinion. I can tell you this hospital is a world class organization and the employees are loyal and heartbroken. I can tell you the things the hospital are doing internally to take care of both patients and employees would amaze you and the media is not privy to those things either. I will never again trust what I hear or see in the media. The half truths, blatant lies and sensationalism are astounding. Take everything you hear and read with a heavy dose of skepticism.

- n.d.y.

The viewpoints and opinions expressed here are my own and not representative of any entity other than myself

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Specializes in Med Surg, Perinatal, Endoscopy, IVF Lab.

I wouldn't accept the assignment. My life and health and that of my family is more important then my job and title. Not worth it. That being said... I think there's a lot of hulabaloo about something that almost all of the nation doesn't have to worry about.

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I wouldn't accept the assignment. My life and health and that of my family is more important then my job and title. Not worth it.

Okay -- so I assume that, if you or a family member of yours came down with Ebola or some other horrible, communicable disease, you would be fine with healthcare workers refusing to care for you or your loved one??

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Specializes in Med Surg, Perinatal, Endoscopy, IVF Lab.

I would take care of my own loved ones. I would understand them not wanting to put their lives and safety at risk. I wouldn't ask them to do that.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

I don't blame anyone for refusing. I would be afraid but I would do it. If not me, then who?

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Specializes in Emergency, ICU.
I don't blame anyone for refusing. I would be afraid but I would do it. If not me, then who?

Exactly. Ethically, I could not refuse treatment to anyone. No matter what disease they are stricken with or what life choices brought them to where they are (I'm talking about other illnesses with the life choice reference, not EVD).

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