Immunosupressed RN's

[exit96]

Diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in Dec 1999. Been in ED 1&1/2 yrs. been on Prednisone taper for 5 months, will be done in 3 weeks after flare.

Started Imuran 2 weeks ago, more immunosuppression...

Any Nurses out here that have been down this road? I am already having the head cold symptoms constantly? Did you have to leave??

I've no personal experience like yours but if I were immunosuppressed, I'd have to give some serious consideration to moving out of the ED just because we're so often exposed to infectious pathogens, and often before and isolation precautions have been implemented.

At the least, I would wear an N95 and goggles at all times... perhaps even a faceshield (mostly to prevent the inadvertent eye or nose rub).

Would probably consider leaving my scrubs at work and showering in the locker room after each shift. It might even be an indicator to have the hospital provide laundered scrubs (they wash/dry those suckers in very hot water so nothing is going to make it through).

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

One of my best friends was the most awesome ER RN ever even with a renal transplant.

However, she was very cautious especially with pedi diarrhea pts, possible meningitis and obviously infectious pts. She never refused to care for them, but she was very cautious: conscientious to a fault with her PPE and she added a N95 mask when she felt warranted. She worked in the ER for 7 years.

I think talking with your provider would also help you to decide what measures to take. Best wishes.