I feel like crawling under a rock....

Liddle Noodnik · Jan 11, 2010

I guess if it was one of my own family members, I would not jump to the conclusion (personally) that I had given it to them. But that 's just one opinion. I am sorry she has this poor thing.

Peanut06 · Jan 11, 2010

I wouldn't let this one incident make your decision about nursing if that is what you have a heart for. Your niece really could have picked up MRSA from anywhere in the community....especially if she ever goes to a nursery like for instance at a church. Honestly, there are probably tons of people in the community who have MRSA and who don't know it. Also, MRSA can be treated and healed. At our facility once someone has a negative MRSA culture 3x's in a row (the tests have to be a few days apart) then they are considered cleared of the MRSA and are taken off of contact precautions. You sound like you do a good job of handwashing, etc. so I would not beat yourself up over it. Your niece is getting treated and that is what is important.

Virgo_RN, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2010

I'm very confused as to why you are assuming that you gave her the MRSA.

Anisettes, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2010

MRSA doesn't only exist in the hospital setting. You may want to try googling 'community acquired MRSA' where you will find A LOT of information. According the CDC this is a rapidly growing problem occurring across the spectrum.

I understand you're upset and worried, but I think you're jumping the gun - don't automatically assume it's your fault (or your sisters or anyone elses). Inform yourself, knowledge is power and can help decrease your fear and worry. I hope all turns out well with your niece.

jlr820 · Jan 11, 2010

Whoa, slow down. Is it POSSIBLE? Sure its possible that it could have happened that way. However, community acquired MRSA is now literally ALL over the place. Your neice could absolutely have gotten it from anywhere. . You are making the assumption that it could ONLY have come from you given your job in a hospital, and that simply isn't true. Don't let your imagination run away with you (easy to do when its a child involved). Take a breath and consider this rationally before you decide to swear off of the nursing profession. What's more, have they confirmed that it is MRSA? Who says it isn't garden variety staph aureus? That does still exist..not all staph is MRSA. Also, who says she'll "never get rid of it"? Resistant doesn't necessarily equate to "untreatable." You're having a high-speed come apart when it's not clear that there's a reason to.

Perpetual Student · Jan 11, 2010

As has been stated, MRSA is all over the place. I recently read a report about how it was present in the sand at some local beaches even. It has spread through sports teams locker rooms like crazy, too. Don't blame yourself, it's very likely she picked it up somewhere else.

Your practice of disrobing and showering immediately after getting home should be adequate in reducing your risk level to similar to that of any member of the community. I do that too whenever I work in a hospital or with pts who're likely infectious.

Staphylococcus aureus infectionslike you described are not unheard of in infants. It's unpleasant, but with treatment she will likely be no worse for wear.

BrnEyedGirl, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN · Jan 11, 2010

I'm not sure why you think this is your fault? I've been working in a hospital for 22 years and no one in my family has ever had MRSA. I honestly would be more afraid of working in a day care than a hospital! Relax,.you didn't do this! I hope your niece feels better soon!

Morning-glory · Jan 11, 2010

A few years ago, I had abdominal laprascopic surgery. A week later I was back at work and was doing a dressing on a huge wound infected with MRSA. When I got home, I realized that one of my wounds had opened up during my shift. I didn't get MRSA.

I've been in the nursing field for 20 years and community first aid before that and only once did I get a bug from a patient. It was pneumonia from a trach'ed patient before the use of faceshields.

So I seriously doubt that the baby caught anything from you. Hope she is better soon.

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Jan 11, 2010

My sister babysits my son, my husband is the one who drops him off and picks him up the days I work, so I am never over there. Yesterday was my first time there in a couple months and it wasn't even on a work day. I come home every night take my clothes and shoes off by the door run upstairs to take a shower. I dont touch my son or anything until I have taken a shower. Is it possible that I could have brought it home and my son took it to my sisters?
I feel just awful. . .I want nothing to do with nursing anymore, I just dont feel that its worth the risk of my family and loved ones. IDK what to do :crying2:
They said the doc told them it could have came from anywhere, but whats the chances of that? I can't stand the feeling that maybe I gave my niece something that she can never get rid of, it breaks my heart.

Well, chances are it had nothing to do with you.

Friends that work at college clinics, routinely see outbreaks of sore throats/ illnesses and the affected students come up positive for MRSA. It shows in gyms, grocery stores, schools, pretty much everywhere in the USA. Gym/locker rooms, because of sweating were a big source a few years ago. The atheletes would get small cuts/abrasions and show up later with antibiotic resistant infections in the wounds.

Now think about children. They play hard, get cuts and abrasions in school, everyone is sweating on the equipment. They touch each other, don't necessarily wash hands that well after they sneeze or cough or go to the bathroom. They share drinks and sometimes snacks. Certainly they do not take the care that we do (or should do) in the hospital/medical facilities.

Because I have worked in clinics that specialize in immunosuppressed pts, I will tell you that when a newly diagnosed pt comes in, they are often thoroughly screened for VRE/MRSA among other things. Probably about 5-10% or more come up positive for MRSA before even starting treatment. After starting treatment, they get checked regularly for VRE/MRSA while Inptor Outpt. While they rarely convert inpt, there are quite a few that convert outpt. And most are completely without any symptoms related to it. Now when you figure that these are adults, that because of therapy, have been careful educated about handwashing, wearing masks when immunosuppressed, clean clothing, food etc and they are still picking it up, how much more likely is it that kids will?

Liddle Noodnik · Jan 11, 2010

Well, chances are it had nothing to do with you... (etc)

Wow that was EXCELLENT feedback caroladybelle! and it is really good to see you, I haven't for some time! :)

proudnurseRN · Jan 11, 2010

When I was a student nurse my son got a MRSA infection.

I blamed the McDonalds playland. I also blame them for the ringworm he acquired a few months after.