Going into Nursing when you know you carry a communicable disease?

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I have a friend who recently found out that she has genital herpes. She is in nursing school prereqs with me and has already applied to nursing school. She is now considering changing careers because of a small possibility of transmission. I argue to her that universal precautions and being mindful of handwashing is all it takes to avoid any unneccesary risks. What is everyone's opinion on the potential risks of carrying a communicable disease as a nurse? Do you think this warrants a career path switch? Anyn input is greatly appreciated, I want her to be well informed before making a big decision like this. Thanks. :rolleyes:

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Is she going to be having sex with her patients? Seriously, if not she is completely overreacting. Genital herpes are spread through sexual contact, nothing that she'll be doing as a nurse.

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I've known many nurses with herpes, as well one with genital warts. To consider changing careers seems ridiculous to me. The use of universal precautions is quite enough.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I agree with above posters - with universal precautions and good handwashing - don't change careers - we need nurses!

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Fergus, that was my first thought as well!!

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

I have had genital herpes since the age of 20, and as you can figure out from my screen name, I'm an RN. This disease does NOT have to get in the way of anyone's career aspirations, not as long as standard precautions and good old common sense are used in everything we do. (As one poster said above, it's not like we're going to be having sex with the patients!! :uhoh3: )

In fact, having the "gift that keeps on giving" as I call it, has helped me make a difference in the lives of several patients over the course of my career, because I understand not only the physical discomfort but the shame and humiliation of this all-too-common affliction, and I'm able to show them that life does go on in spite of it. :)

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Med-Surg.

One in four people has genital herpes -- and most don't even know it.

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Thanks for the input, I am forwarding this link to her...I hope it helps her out!!!! Any other comments are greatly appreciated!:)

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