Is it true all nurses get MRSA or C-DIFF?

[mzsuccess]

I was at work last night and the nurses were talking as if it was normal.

I love working in healthcare, but as you know accidents happen, like urine splashing on you/clothing, someone spitting on you or rushing in without gloves during an emergency.

I'm starting nursing school next year but seriously thinking its not for me.

They say, that all nurses get it? Is it true?

I wouldn't want to expose this to my family or other patients that why I practice good hygiene. Any insight?

[Hoosier_RN, MSN]

I had c diff years ago, before I became a nurse. I'm sure I have some MRSA somewhere in my body. Just follow your precautions, and you'll be ok

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Think of it this way: those patients, when in the hospital, are identified as isolation. However, those little red signs don't go with them at discharge. They are out in the community, touching the handle of your grocery cart, squeezing the produce you buy, shaking your hand at church. Much more likely to get something that way than you are practicing correct isolation procedures.

[AcuteHD]

You should never ask questions in absolute terms because the answer will always be no. Likewise, answers that are in absolute terms are always incorrect.

[Farawyn]

You should never ask questions in absolute terms because the answer will always be no. Likewise, answers that are in absolute terms are always incorrect.

Tricksy, Acute.

[NanaPoo]

Isn't that the first trick you learn when testing in nursing school? Any question with the words "all" or "always" or "never" can be marked out as the incorrect answer. ALWAYS.

[NurseSpeedy, ADN, LPN, RN]

I've worked with enough poop, sputum, and draining yucky things for a long time and have never had C-Diff or tested positive for MRSA (though if all health care workers were tested, a lot of us would probably at least have it colonized in our nares). Always follow standard precautions and special precautions when suspected or confirmed cases are present. Most importantly, always wash your hands.

An extra measure it to go straight home after work, throw your clothes in the wash (and use the dryer on high heat to dry them) and immediately get in the shower before you interact with your family.

[Big Blondie, ASN, BSN, MSN, APRN]

No and No. I've been a nurse since 1988, never had either.

[Mavrick, BSN, RN]

Think of it this way: those patients, when in the hospital, are identified as isolation. However, those little red signs don't go with them at discharge. They are out in the community, touching the handle of your grocery cart, squeezing the produce you buy, shaking your hand at church. Much more likely to get something that way than you are practicing correct isolation procedures.

This answer seems very familiar.

Ah, yes....We have plowed this field before.

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/should-i-be-1009804.html

[BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN]

You can only get MRSA and C-diff from getting the flu shot.

Actually, chances are you are already carrying MRSA, a huge percentage of the population is!! You can't live in a bubble, good hand hygiene will go a long way in preventing the spread of anything among anyone, anytime!

[Jensmom7, BSN, RN]

You can only get MRSA and C-diff from getting the flu shot.

Actually, chances are you are already carrying MRSA, a huge percentage of the population is!! You can't live in a bubble, good hand hygiene will go a long way in preventing the spread of anything among anyone, anytime!

That's a myth-you can't get them from a flu shot.

You CAN, however, get pregnant from a flu shot.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

This answer seems very familiar.

Ah, yes....We have plowed this field before.

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/should-i-be-1009804.html

Some people do seem fixated on one tiny little aspect of nursing.

[~PedsRN~, BSN, RN]

That's a myth-you can't get them from a flu shot.

You CAN, however, get pregnant from a flu shot.

Both false.

The only thing you can get from the flu shot is the flu.

I am sure I would test positive for MRSA if you swab my nares.

I have never had C-Diff, and have taken care of it plenty of times. It's a very opportunistic creature.