I was under the impression that we as first-semester ADN students would not be "given" a known C. diff or TB patient, something very contagious and serious. Not that we're too good for it but we just don't know anything yet. Now our clinical instructor has indicated that we might indeed be given a C. diff patient. I'm kind of scared because a lady in our class had a child with C. diff and has described it as quite a horrible experience - including that it smelled so bad that the hospital had to clear out the doctors and patients from her child's wing. And that it was constant diarrhea.
I realize C. diff patients are people, too, and need attention in addition to their basic care, but - I'm afraid of what to do as far as spending a lot of time in a room with someone that contagious. I know, I know, wash hands and wear gloves, but it just seems like spending lots of time with someone would up the chances of catching something that contagious and resistant.
What do you guys think? Am I getting too worked up?
Not sure how things work in your program, but in my program, there are really no restrictions as to what "types" of patients you are allowed to care for. I've had C.Diff, TB, AND possible TB and thankfully so! I would hate to graduate and not know how to prepare myself for these situations and further put myself at risk by being too "green", if you will, to the precautions. The reality of it is that you will have patients with C. Diff as a nurse as it is VERY common...I'm a senior student and couldn't count on 2 hands the amount of C. Diff I have come in contact with and how many stool samples I have collected on them. Again, like someone else mentioned, students will be the ones doing AM care so prepare yourself as it does smell horrid. But, this is part of nursing! I wouldn't get so worked up because this is your future reality.
Why wouldn't nursing students (first semester or otherwise) take care of the same kinds of clients you'll be taking care of as nurses? As long as you've been prepared with the info about different types of precautions, why not? It's not going to be any different next semester, or the semester after that ... Might as well jump right in and get started!
Why wouldn't nursing students (first semester or otherwise) take care of the same kinds of clients you'll be taking care of as nurses? As long as you've been prepared with the info about different types of precautions, why not? It's not going to be any different next semester, or the semester after that ... Might as well jump right in and get started!
Thanks you guys for all the kind replies. I guess I'm kind of a germ freak anyway, I know I don't know ANYTHING, and some of the other students were saying, "Oh, no, I have kids, I can't take care of a C. diff patient" so it was making me feel kind of panicked, too.
Hate to sound unsympathic toward these parent/students, but almost all of the nurses in the PEDs unit at my hospital have children. Should we turn away all patients with contagious diseases?
I don't really understand what the concern is. First semester students should understand the importance of hand washing and contact precautions. It's not going to be a hard thing to do. Be conscious of your environment in the room and just remember to keep washing your hands and wear that gown when needed. Don't put any of your personal belongings down in the patient's room. The smell is horrid but that's something you're going to have to get used to as a nurse anyways. Hang in there and good luck. :)
Oh and I like the use of the bomb as the symbol in front of the post title. Very fitting! LOL!
We've only been on the floor a few days and most of us have had patients with C diff, MRSA, and other patients in isolation as well. Do remember to wash your hands often as others have said and use soap and water bc that antibacterial foam doesn't kill it! Also use a solution that contains bleach to wipe down the patient's bedside table and always, always glove up.
Out of the 12 or so clinicals in my first semester, at least half were Cdiff or MRSA. No TB. My first pt was on Cdiff..my very first time ever in the hospital.. It was scary but you get over it. You'll be fine, promise.
One of the first things we learned in nursing school was handwashing. One of the next things we learned about was precautions. In our first clinical, we dealt w/ contact precaution Pts b/c the instructors want to know if you can A) wash your hands, and B) don/doff gloves and gown properly. The reason is when you're a nurse, no one's going to watching over you to see you did either, and you need to be able to do both in order to not have one big germ-party. Seriously though, to help deal (b/c it is time-consuming and a PITA) don't be afraid to ask for help from others and stop before you enter the room and *think* about what you need in order to complete your intended task. That being said, there's been many a time where I've gowned up and realized I forgot something, or even better, gowned up and gone into the room and *then* realized I forgot something. I guess what I'm trying to say is wash your hands, and when you become a nurse, you'll be dealing w/ contact precautions v frequently, so don't stress too much over this. Hope this helps.
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Music in My Heart
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Those kinds of comments from the other students are part of why nursing students and many new grads have a bad reputation among the rank and file.