Published Dec 16, 2008
Flare, ASN, BSN
4,431 Posts
It's not too often that I get sick. I figure with all the germs that I am exposed to, that I must have built up immunity to a lot of sniffles and sneezes and stomach bugs. And between that and incessantly washing my hands I am probably better off than a lot of other non- nurses.
Granted - when some nasty germ actually is successful in breaking through and getting me sick, it can be pretty bad. But fortunately, that's rare.
leosasha
148 Posts
The times I get sick and the degree to which I am sick is directly correlated to how much stress I am under and my response to that stress.
ChristineN, BSN, RN
3,465 Posts
Infectious disease sick, I probably get once a year. However, twice in the last 6 months I've been sent home from work with migraines that leave me n/v, dizzy, and just knock the strength out of me.
rwright15
120 Posts
I get sick more working in outpatient than inpatient.
VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN
22 Articles; 9,996 Posts
The first few years I was in health care, I got sick everytime I turned around. Now I've got an immune system that can fight off squirrels in the front yard---I have been sick, truly sick, only once in the past three years. People around me will be dropping like flies, and I just keep going..........I'm very fortunate that way!
PianoGirl20
60 Posts
I'm not even going to say "how often" I get sick, because the minute I do, I'll be flat on my back with another bug :chuckle
However, I did have the most HORRIBLE flu in the summer-it seriously last (without any sort of improvement) for 14 days, horrible body aches/chills, could NOT sleep (even with NyQuil, which I've never used before), and a cough that literally made my back hurt a little!
tryingtohaveitall
495 Posts
My first year in pediatrics, I was sick so often and for so long that I was convinced I was dying of an immune deficiency, lol. Thankfully, between the kids at home and the kids at work, I've become immune to most of everything. The big key always seems to be sleep. If I feel something coming on and I can get extra rest, I can kick it. However, if I'm in a stretch of working and running short on sleep, I'm a goner.
PiPhi2004
299 Posts
When I was in college I think I was sick most of the time, but then again I lived with 20 other girls in a sorority house and we shared bathrooms and kitchens. We passed around EVERYTHING!
Now that I'm married and living with a lot less people I rarely get sick, even being exposed to everything possible at work. I don't think I've been febrile in 3 years anyway. I have had a few stomach bugs but nothing major. I think the simple washing of hands and wearing gloves all the time takes care of most, plus I would guess my immune system is pretty tough lol.
Virgo_RN, BSN, RN
3,543 Posts
I rarely get sick. The occasional cold or flu, but in general, I'm pretty healthy.
shellsgogreen
328 Posts
can't even remember the last time i was sick
(knocks on wood)
Butterfliesnroses
348 Posts
I rarely get sick. Once in a while. No more than I did in my life before health care. My boss pointed out that we really protect ourselves because the building is constantly being sanitized and we are constantly washing hands, gloving up ect. So really I have a higher chance getting sick from Wal-Mart.
Wal-Mart makes ME sick, too.