If There Was A Major Epidemic / Pandemic Would You Report For Duty?

[DoGoodThenGo]

Was watching "Downton Abbey" Sunday night and it got to where the great Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918-1919 hit.

Program seemed to get much of the details down right; healthy young persons were fine one minute, greatly ill the next and often dead within 24-48 hours.

From one's own (limited) research on the matter found out that many nurses and other medical persons came down with and subsequently died from being exposed to the flu whilst caring for patients. Of course many knew they shouldn't have been anywhere near such sick persons but "duty" kept nurses on the wards and in the cases of public health nursing going from house to house caring for the stricken.

With almost one hundred years of hindsight and modern adances in medical care one would think if such a thing hit again things would be different. However one does wonder if a bulk of nurses today have the "self sacrificing" gene.

Say this because clearly remember what things were like during the 1980's when AIDS began to appear. Was working as a CNA and often it wasn't the most shining hour for some nursing staff. Indeed on more than several occasions it came down to threats of being written up for insubordination to get some nurses anywhere near afflicted patients.

If there was a major outbreak of unknown or serious disease such as another major flu outbreak would *you* go in? If the hospital was going on lock-down for the duration would you stay or bolt for the door before it's locked?

[Pepper The Cat, BSN, RN]

Already have. SARS outbreak was a nightmare! We did have a few people who refused to come to work. Most of us think very little of these people. Exposure to diseases is an occupational risk that goes with working at a hospital. If you are not willing to step up when needed, you should re-think your profession.

[dishes, BSN, RN]

You don't have to go back 100 years to find nurses and doctors who died during outbreaks, this happened during the SARS outbreak in Toronto in 2003. It is still fresh in my memory and no I will not be volunteering to work.

[tokmom, BSN, RN]

If it was something quick and deadly? No...If I was at work and I had to stay, I would. I'm better off there than at home with my kids exposing them. But..if I was home? No. I have kids to think of. If I died from the epidemic, the hospital would find another nurse. My kids can't find another mom.

[JSJones,RN]

Yes, I do believe that I would respond. I choose this profession to help ALL those in need regardless of situation. We accept risks everyday in our profession. Every two years when I renew my license in Virginia, I check the box that asks if I am willing to respond to a major crisis. Just my opinion.....

[Laboratorian]

Lock down = free food. I'm in.

[NurseOnAMotorcycle, ASN, RN]

I had this conversation with my family a few times. We agreed that I would definitely go but prob stay in quarantine from my family until things prove safe or otherwise. We're all on the same page.

That being said, I absolutely would not fault anyone who didn't go. Personal values and right/wrong are absolutely personal and valid.

[OCNRN63, RN]

My parents are older and they might need me, so no, I probably wouldn't stay.

[elkpark]

Of course I would go in -- it's a basic expectation of the occupation I chose to enter. If you're not willing to do the job, don't go into nursing.

[RNperdiem, RN]

It would depend on a few things.

Will there be adequate PPE for staff? What about supplies? Without the right meds from pharmacy(or close alternatives), there is no ICU.

What about security? Will the patients and families wait their turn or will there be potentially dangerous disorder?

I have access to narcotics. Will someone approach me and try to get me to divert drugs for them, maybe threaten me if I don't?

I wouldn't call myself self-sacrificing. I have young children at home who need me too.

[Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN]

It's one of the benefits of school nursing...when the spit hits the fan we shut down and no one goes in. We were closed for a week when the H1N1 arrived on the scene and no one knew how bad it would get.

Would I be lining up to volunteer at the hospitals? Heck no. I'm a foster parent and "my" kids are already separated from one family, I am not going to sacrifice myself as one of the only two other stable adults in their lives. I also do not trust the hospitals to protect my safety when it comes to PPE, etc., and once you are there I am sure they will not allow you to leave. You can bet the CEOs will not be there on the frontlines. Neither will I.

[Flare, ASN, BSN]

if i were scheduled to work (and employed in that capacity.. i too am a school nurse...), then yes. If i were already there, then i'll stay.... but if i don't have to be there, i am taking care of my most important clients- my family.