I am a nursing student. I was hospitalized for about 3 weeks. I contracted a c. Diff infection while in the hospital ( prophylactic iv antibiotics).
I was put on contact precautions and a very clear sign outside my door and on the Purell dispenser clearly stated that hands needed to be washed with soap and water along with the need to wear gloves and gowns. I understand that nurses are busy but it made me very upset when they did not follow protocol. But the Patient techs were infuriating for the most part. They didn't just avoid the wash with soap and water but hardly gloved up. Many didn't even take
Purell. I thought it was just that hospital. But I was transferred to another hospital due to complications and needing a higher level of care. The staff in this internationally acclaimed medical center also failed to follow protocol.
what makes me scared is that I had a relatively minor and difficult to catch contagion. What if the patient next to me had Mrsa or worse and I am on chemotherapy? my immune system is very weak and an infection like Mrsa could prove fatal or at least incredibly debilitating. Sure enough, I got a nosocomial infection that turned into a very bad respiratory tract infection. I can't say it was caused by the lack of hygiene but it may have been a contributing factor.
What I am really asking is that you please enforce the rules that have been put in place for both the staff and patients safety.
Please ensure your patient care technicians do the same.
