Ethical Dilemma...Shingles :(

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Nov 23, 2014

This may be controversial, but if your doc and the CDC say you can go to work, I would go and not disclose.

xoemmylouox, ASN, RN · Nov 23, 2014

If you aren't a risk, you aren't a risk. I wouldn't say anything unless you become a danger to your patients.

sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN · Nov 23, 2014

you are ok

pnut520 · Nov 23, 2014

Thanks, guys...to clarify when I said CDC, I meant their web info. I haven't called. I feel better to have others' opinions, though! This stress isn't helping the shingles! lol. I am worried that if they get bad and painful I will have a hard time hiding the reaction in my face as they progress. Already, today is much worse. I guess I will just have to see how it goes!

mariebailey, MSN, RN · Nov 23, 2014

I would just run it by the infection control or employee health department to find out their policy at your particular hospital. Very rarely, someone who is not immune to varicella may get the chickenpox, not shingles, from someone with shingles. If yours is localized & can be fully covered, you're not likely to spread it. However, you are entering an environment with high-risk, immunocompromised people who could develop a severe infection if exposed.

MunoRN, RN · Nov 23, 2014

Based on the CDC's recommendations, you likely wouldn't be restricted during your classroom period, but the CDC recommends that Occupational Health and/or Infection Control be aware of your VCV infection. In other words, if you're going to follow the CDC recommendations then you need to notify your employer, I'm not sure why you wouldn't?

firstinfamily, RN · Nov 24, 2014

I had shingles last winter on my back. I did let my employer know at the time, but it was agreed that as long as it was covered it was not a hazard to my patients. Mine felt like a really bad sunburn and having clothing rub against it did hurt. I had asked the MD for Lidocaine patches which did help. I tried to keep my hands away from it and really it did not itch me. It did heal, it took a good month before it was completely done. I was going through a very stressful time and it seems that triggered it. I would not tell your new employer until you have your Occupational Health eval. it should not really make a difference with your position. I did not take the acyclovir but usually patients who have shingles do have this prescribed. Perhaps that is something you need to ask your PCP about. My PCP did tell me that with a recent outbreak, I did not need the shingles vaccine until later as the outbreak would have protected me from future outbreaks. Good Luck!!!

litbitblack, ASN, RN · Nov 24, 2014

Yeah I would just give them an FYI as you should be ok since your in the classroom. I would also request the cream as well as the pills. It helps it go away faster and helps to keep it from itching. I have had to deal with it yearly with my niece since she was 7 and that seems to help better than just the pills

grandpaj · Nov 24, 2014

I had shingles last year. The provider I saw recommended I stay home until the area was scabbed and wrote an absence note for me to give to my employer in addition to a prescription for acyclovir.

However, since you won't be performing direct patient care for 2 weeks, I would contact your new boss and ask for hospital policy before showing up.

kbrn2002, ADN, RN · Nov 24, 2014

As long as your doc cleared you I would say it shouldn't be a problem. The only concern I might have is if you will be in close proximity to a pregnant woman, but as you won't be doing any cares requiring contact during classroom orientation I think it should be ok. You are not required to disclose personal medical history to your employer, but if you anticipate missing work for an outbreak it would be a good idea to clue them in to your situation.

I_slapped_Ouiser · Nov 25, 2014

My perspective is influenced by the conversations I have with several post-herpetic neuralgia patients every week. I can only share what I would do, and wish you the best with whatever decision you make. :) That said, if I were in a similar situation, I would probably opt for delaying my start date another orientation cycle or two. One of my former supervisors used to say, "I don't like to participate in stress", and I tend to agree with her when I have a choice about it. I would choose the peace of mind that accompanies the extra time for all broken skin to resolve, to rest and possibly achieve a more lasting recovery, and to avoid feelings of guilt by removing the opportunity for them to surface in the first place. Just because I can do something doesn't mean that I should do it. Because I know how stress personally affects me, and how much more energy I require when starting a new job and being "on" for most of the day, I'd choose to wait it out a little bit longer. Wishing you the best, and a speedy recovery!