I'm an ICU RN with MRSA:-(

Specialties Critical

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  1. How do you feel about nurses who have active MRSA and work with patients?

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      They should not be working with patients
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      OK to work as long as infected area has on occlusive dressing
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      OK to work only with non-immunocompromized patients
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      If I was a nurse with MRSA, I would not be working with patients

Would love to have your advice. I have been an ICU nurse for ~2 yrs (pt population includes newly transplant pts) and few months ago was diagnosed with MRSA infected boils. I was treated with antibiotics, and told that I could work as long as I could keep that area covered with an occlusive dressing that does not need to be changed at work (basically if the abscess was not draining a lot, and I could put an occlusive dressing I could work). I have missed several wrks of work (so thankful FELMA exists).

I have been disinfecting my personal stuff at home, tried mupirocin nasal for decolonization... strict hand hygiene, don't share any personal stuff like towels, significantly limited amount of sugar I take (stopped eating candy, cakes and other non-natural sweats).. took epson salt baths and many other natural stuff... but with little luck

I have just finished second round of antibiotics.. and about 3 days after it looks like I have painful pimples that look like they are going to be boils again:(

This has been really stressful... I absolutely love my job, and the idea of having to quit it is rather painful. So far I have been seeing a dermatologist, but do have a first infectious diseases appt in December.

Two other family have had recurrent boils too in my house:-(

Do you think I should be looking for a "non-clinical" RN job?

Is this something I should tell my manager about?

Any of you nurses had recurrent MRSA boils and have any tips on how to win the fight over it??

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It sounds as though the abc you've been taking are ineffective. I took PO and off an do for 4-6 months and I finally had a PICC put in and did vancomycin at home for a few weeks....never to have another problem again

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Specializes in ICU.

I too acquired MRSA either through work or during my own hospitalization after being hit by a car. A PICC line with Vancomycin therapy at home sent me on my merry way in due time (that's strong stuff too. You can tell you just got a dose).

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Specializes in Pediatric/Adolescent, Med-Surg.

My doctor believes I had a MRSA abscess. A dose of IV Vancomycin and then PO Bacteria and PO Keflex fixed me up. It was scary how fast it spread. Drainage was never an issue for me and it was in a spot covered by my scrubs so I just covered it with gauze until it healed up

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Welcome tom AN! The largest online nursing community!

I am so sorry you are experiencing this difficulty. A per the Terms of Service we cannot offer medical advice.

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