Can a RN work with a fungal nail infection?

RNnew · Feb 16, 2012

Thanks in advance!

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Feb 16, 2012

I don't know the answer...but your occupational health office and/or infection control nurse could tell you. After all, it doesn't matter what any of us say here: what matters is what your facility says about it.

I would be honest about it though, as lies have a nasty habit of biting you in the behind when you least expect it. In a lot of facilities, providing false information (e.g., lying) is an easy way to get terminated.

Best of luck!

RNnew · Feb 17, 2012

No, I am not going to lie about it. It is not like it is on my foot, consealed by my shoe. It is on my hand, so it is not something i can hide. I am just really nervous about it and want to know how it is likely to be received. My mind keeps racing with the possible outcomes... I keep trying to tell myself that I am exaggerating how big of a deal this is, they will just have me cover it up with a finger cot or cut off tip of a glove. But then I am like, a nurse with a nail infection? They are obviously going to rescind their job offer. Ugh...

RNnew · Feb 17, 2012

I thought more people would have offered up their opinion on the matter >.

...so nervous!!

blondy2061h, MSN, RN · Feb 17, 2012

I would tell employee health about it and offer to wear gloves while doing patient care and wipe down your keyboard at the end of your shift with whatever disinfectant your hospital uses.

RNnew · Feb 17, 2012

So, blondy, you think they will work with me?

blondy2061h, MSN, RN · Feb 17, 2012

I have no idea, but it's worth a try.

RNnew · Feb 17, 2012

Yeah, I have no idea =\

RNnew · Feb 18, 2012

Anyone with occupational health experience? I have been searching for anything relating to the issue and I come up with nothing...

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Feb 18, 2012

It seems to me that you are looking for a certain answer (e.g., "sure you can work, don't worry!) that you are not getting...because it really can't be given in all honesty. We are not your facility. We can not hire you. You really need to talk to the people who WILL be hiring you.

Here are the facts:

1. You have a nail infection.

2. You have a pre-employment physical coming up.

Now your options are:

1. Go to your physical, tell them you have a nail infection that is being treated and ask what you will need to do in order to be able to work. Is there a chance you may have your job rescinded? Maybe, but it's probably a small chance. I think the odds are far more in favor of it NOT being rescinded because keep in mind that in addition to having it covered while at work, you will also be using universal precautions (e.g., wearing gloves) whenever you provide patient care. Plus the fact that infection control can tell you what you will need to do to keep from spreading it. If I were you, this is the option I would pick.

2. Go to your physical but don't mention the infection. You will be less likely to have the offer rescinded at the physical stage, but keep in mind that it's a secret that you'll have to keep for a LONG time, since nail infections take a very long time to heal. And it'll be a difficult secret to keep since it's on your hands. Also, depending on your facility's P&P, if they found out you didn't disclose an infection (e.g., you provided false information), you could be suspended or terminated.

3. Skip the physical until the infection heals, and definitely lose the job.

Again, only the facility's occupational health department can tell you how the facility will view the matter. It doesn't matter if legions of members come to this thread posting "it's not a problem, don't worry!"--whatever the facility's occupational health department says is what matters.

So unless you're willing to skip the physical and forego the job, I'd show up and be honest. You have far less to lose because by going to the physical, at least you have a chance of keeping the job.

Best of luck...again.