Nurses COVID
Published May 24, 2020
girlwithnoname
9 Posts
I recently got exposed to a patient who got admitted for a diagnosis not related to COVID, or so we thought. I had a surgical mask and only in the patients room for maybe 30 minutes giving medications. Later on, we found out she was COVID+. The patient was not coughing and she was also not getting breathing treatment. I have so much anxiety about this. I think I am at a low risk for getting it? I know a handful of other nurses that have COVID already and I can't stop worrying. Please give me comforting words.
Btw, my hospital said not to isolate only if I have symptoms. I think thats a load of crap.
GS ED RN, MSN, RN
41 Posts
was in similar situation --- I am sorry youre going through this scary and frustrating -- start your 2 week countdown - pretend as if you are (+) as in being extra extra careful and cautious not having visitors, seeing people outside of work etc. Is there any way you can get tested? This sounds bad - but it is a shame that workplaces only suggest symptomatic testing - what if you got a *cough, cough* and got tested? maybe put your mind at ease. Not fair that general public/politicians/pro athletes get asymptomatic tests and us healthcare workers dont... it forces us to maybe have to fib about sx.
Okay, thank you. What happened in your similar situation? Did you have symptoms?
Had to intubate a patient - was in the room for hours and very physically close to them- patient wound up COVID +. 3 days later I woke up with a sore throat/dry cough was SO mild I waited a few hours - I got in my own head overthinking so I called Occ health they told me to get swabbed I couldn’t return to work until 24 hours post 1 negative swab. This was 1.5 months ago... I’m sure it’s since changed ...
WOW!, that is crazy. I'm so glad you were negative. Hopefully, I won't get any symptoms. Thank you so much for sharing. I appreciate it.
Good luck!
speedynurse, ADN, BSN, RN, EMT-P
544 Posts
2 hours ago, girlwithnoname said:I recently got exposed to a patient who got admitted for a diagnosis not related to COVID, or so we thought. I had a surgical mask and only in the patients room for maybe 30 minutes giving medications. Later on, we found out she was COVID+. The patient was not coughing and she was also not getting breathing treatment. I have so much anxiety about this. I think I am at a low risk for getting it? I know a handful of other nurses that have COVID already and I can't stop worrying. Please give me comforting words. Btw, my hospital said not to isolate only if I have symptoms. I think thats a load of crap.
I unfortunately have gotten exposed multiple times to patients in the ED with only a surgical mask. I did eventually end up becoming symptomatic and was out of work for 3 weeks.
I'm so sorry to hear that. Did you isolate yourself right away or only when you started having symptoms?
When I had symptoms
Thank you. I pray for a speedy recovery for you.