Germaphobe question

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Aug 16, 2007

Not sure how to answer that, since you're spending your entire day around germs.

I recall a former classmate in school who hated the idea of being around sick people (because of the germs, not the conditions). She just didn't make it, kept wanting to wear an iso mask around everyone! She failed out of clinicals.

OTOH, MOST people aren't keen on the idea of being around germs all day, either! I know I've gotten more "germophobic", if you will, the longer I work at the job. I can't even put a spoon on the counter without washing the counter, and then the spoon :)

My guess is it's something you'll get over, but only you know the answer, really, to how far into the fear you go. If it's truly a phobia, then maybe it's a bigger problem than you can deal with. If it's just an "ick factor", then you'll probably become adjusted.

Not all patients are crawling in germs, lol, but certainly there are the isolation patients with MRSA, VRSA, etc.

I wish you the best!

BebobthefrogFNP · Aug 16, 2007

If nursing is what you really want to do, I say go for it. In nursing school you do learn a lot about nasty infections and superinfections (sp?). Don't worry I'm kind of a germaphobe too. In fact for my birthday this year two of my friends that I have known since elementary school gave me antibacterial gel and lotion from bath and body works.

I'm a senior nursing student and I think it is kind of good that you are a germaphobe because you'll wash your hands more frequently and protect your patients from getting infections while in the hospital. In nursing school you are taught the importance of handwashing to protect yourself and your patients.

I'd recommend shadowing a nurse for a while to see if you like nursing.

TazziRN, RN · Aug 16, 2007

We are germaphobic, all of us........either from before or because of nursing school and nursing......HOWEVER.....we also have learned how to protect ourselves. We became germaphobic to the point that we fiercely battle any of those buggers that even dare to think about invading our bodies and homes, but we do not run from the little a-holes. Yes, Hep can be deadly. That's why we wear gloves and wash our hands. Yes, MRSA can be a b-word to get rid of once you have it. That's why we wear gloves and gowns and wash our hands.

Gettin' the picture? Imagine nurses as the Marines of the medical profession!!

AngBthatsme · Aug 16, 2007

Ahhh yes, nursing school can make you a germaphobe. We say it like its a bad thing. After nursing school, I became accutely aware of door handles, grocery cart handles ewww. I prefered not to touch them when going in or leaving a building. I would wait and let other people do it, if I was alone, I would have to do it. I keep hand gel in the car. On my MRSA patients if I will be touching them, their bedding or anything in their room, I gown up. If Im just in to pass a med or answer a questions I don't. I wash my hands before/after all patient contact. I will wipe down the phone and computer keyboard that I work at. Now with that being said, I don't go around thinking about germs. They are not on my mind 24/7. I just feel informed and ready to give good care to my patients. :)

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Aug 16, 2007

Have you taken microbiology yet? Most germs and microorganisms do not survive too well outside the body, because they thrive only at the normal body temperature. If you happen to eat foods that are contaminated with germs, the hydrochloric acid in your stomach is so acidic that it kills most microorganisms. Your skin is naturally pervaded by white blood cells that act as the first line of defense against infection from virulent microorganisms.

My point: It is immensely difficult to become sick from all of the germs that you'll be exposed to, unless your immune system is unusually horrible. In addition, your body is already filled with germs that cannot be completely eradicated, in the mouth, armpits, and perineal (genital) area.

Hoping4RNin2010 · Aug 16, 2007

Argghh I just typed an entire reply and closed the window on accident.

Firstly, thank you all for your replies. They have helped tremendously.

I have always had a little bit of an anxiety problem. I worry about things that most people don't even consider. My problem got temporarily worse after each of my children were born. Some kind of crazy postpartum hormone thing. I couldn't get the bottles clean enough. Did I was my hands? Did the bottle touch something..should I rewash it? I laugh about it now..but at the time I was making myself and everyone around me crazy.

I know I am better now. Just the fact that I am finally persuing nursing is proof of that for me. I just wondered if anyone that is already a nurse thinks of the things I do sometimes..like the doorknob, like the handwashing.

I thank you all again for your replies!

Kim

Cindy1008RN · Aug 20, 2007

Germaphobe...........yeah.....especially during flu/virus season.

Journey_On, BSN, RN · Jun 5, 2008

Today was my 3rd week in clinical. I feel like I am really getting more hands-on experience in nursing as the weeks go by. However, I am a germophobe and have been one well before I started nursing school.

I don't like touching doors/doorknobs, public computers, shopping cart handles with my bare hands. I must always have hand sanitizer with me when I leave my house.

I am proud of myself for making it through today. I changed bed linens, cleaned patients after they used the bathroom, emptied a Foley, and changed soiled sheets - something that all nursing students are expected to do.

When I came home, it took me about 10-15 minutes to disinfect and sanitize things I had taken with me to clinical (minus my shoes, which I sprayed and left in the car). This process is a bit annoying, but I honestly cannot rest easy until all/most of my things are cleaned.

I don't want to change my ways, but I hope that I will be able to get through nursing school okay and not let my fear of germs take over.