Help! Pregnant and don't know what patients to avoid

Nurses General Nursing

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during clinicals (of course I would trade patients).. or medicines I can't handle for that matter. This is my last semester and I forgot to ask my doctor what to avoid while pregnant.. I know those with radium implants are a no.. but what else can you think of? What about those undergoing radiation or chemo? I don't rely on my teacher for much.. she doesn't seem to know either..

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What about phoning the office nurse and speaking to her.

She would be able to give you specifics.

There would be nothing wrong with calling her and that would

help give you peace of mind/guidance.

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

You need to speak with your OB/CNM and get his/her input on how to safely care for patients in the clinical setting.

The Occupational Health department at your nursing school or clinical site may provide you with information as well.

Best wishes for a healthy baby!

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Specializes in Level III cardiac/telemetry.

I know you're not empoyed there, but perhaps employee health could help? I work with a pregnant nurse and it seems to me like she takes MRSA and C-diff patients but not VRE. But definately get some professional advice.

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Specializes in Education, Acute, Med/Surg, Tele, etc.

I would certainly ask you OB/GYN and discuss this with your management on the things you can and can't do during this time so you are officially excused from it!

I have two pregnant gals at work on my floor...they avoid MRSA pts, Chemo Pts (even though that is debatable, but they don't feel comfortable, and since they aren't chemo nurses...I don't find a probelm with that). Lifting is going to be an issue so your more robust pts you will either need help or others need to do any tranfers or position changes (again according to your OB/GYN on allowed lifting weights per progress of pregancy).

Most of the gals I know that are pregant are more concerned about work related stuff than home stuff too! Don't forget to ask about limitations in the home as well. I know stay totally clear of litter boxes (do not clean them yourself!)...during certain parts I was not allowed to mop/vaccuum because I was in a franks breach situation and had to be resting (I wasn't a nurse then)...and other items to avoid in the home.

As far as meds, I know your OB/GYN will know this one...and all I remember is prostate meds are a no no to handle without gloves, certain chemo drugs, certain steroids, nitro... But hey...if you aren't sure...glove up :).

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Please ask your OB/GYN provider.

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I would certainly ask you OB/GYN .....during certain parts I was not allowed to mop/vaccuum because I was in a franks breach situation and had to be resting (I wasn't a nurse then)...

Did they tell you why? Or is this a thing of the past? I only ask because my son came five weeks early (and was frank breech) and I would have begged someone to tell me not to mop or vacuum :rotfl:

OP: Best wishes!

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Specializes in ER/ ICU.

As ar as med go, you will not be hanging chemo. There are no iv/ po meds that you can't give. Just follow standard procedure. When I was pregnant I did not take care of pts w/ TB or shingles.

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Don't do what I did....the day after I found out I was pregnant, I roomed a kid with possible measles. After walking out I stopped dead in my tracks as I realized what I had done. My tech practically shook me and said "WHAT WERE YOU THINKING???"

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We were told by employee health that as long as you are up to date on vaccinations and follow infection precautions, it's only TB and Shingles you need to avoid. Staffing is difficult enough, I would take the rest and follow the precautions as usual.

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Specializes in OB, ortho/neuro, home care, office.

I would stray away from most infectious diseases, like TB/chicken pox (and it's variants), MRSA, All chemo patients and radiation patients, VRE, and don't pass any male (specific) meds, such as the new avadart (or whatever it is to reduce prostate size). Any hormone meds. Not too sure about thyroid meds. Alot of the stuff that you would not want your kids near keep yourself away from. That would be my theory.

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Avoiding pts with Cdiff, MRSA or VRE could be impossible for some...(I work LTC and would never be able to work). Wear gloves when dealing with questionable meds. Avoid pts with measles and shinlges that have oozing wounds. Doc said it was okay to take care of pts that go to out pt chemo and radiation. My CNAs help me avoid the lifting and moving parts. Actually....they wont let me.

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