Like our job wasn't tough enough. Now, we have to deal with Ebola hysteria.

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Specializes in CCU, Geriatrics, Critical Care, Tele.

Ebola strikes fear everywhere and as a result, panic ensues. As nurses, we provide care with keen discernment. The impact nurses have on caring for not only our patients, but how we act out of prudence, not fear, when dealing with the public, is immense. Have you had to deal with the public during the Ebola crisis? What impact has it had on you as a nurse?

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In my little small rural town, none. Except of course the conversations in the community and misleading info.

I'm used to that though. I'm a regular debater with anti-vax folks where I work and live.

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Specializes in Med-Surg and Neuro.

My whole family wants to see all healthcare providers locked up in tents for 21 days. You would think they'd listen to an eduated RN on the topic, but somehow they think they know better than I. I have tried explaining that healthcare workers are not contagious until they show symptoms, and even then you'd have to be in contact with a high-viral load bodily fluid to catch ebola. They still don't get it, and want them locked up. Then they take another drag of their cigarette. :sarcastic:

You can educate the ignorant, but you can't fix stupid.

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My whole family wants to see all healthcare providers locked up in tents for 21 days. You would think they'd listen to an eduated RN on the topic, but somehow they think they know better than I. I have tried explaining that healthcare workers are not contagious until they show symptoms, and even then you'd have to be in contact with a high-viral load bodily fluid to catch ebola. They still don't get it, and want them locked up. Then they take another drag of their cigarette. :sarcastic:

You can educate the ignorant, but you can't fix stupid.

Reminds me of the guy talking with my dh one day. DH said "aren't you concerned about cancer?" as he watched the guy smoke, engulfed in a cloud of smoke, and somehow the topic was raised. The guy said (I swear, he SAID this) "Nah, I'm gonna stop before I get cancer". Ummmm....so dh said "What day are you going to get cancer?" and the guy just looked puzzled. "Huh?" "What day are you going to get cancer? You know, so you can stop the day before you get it".

Blank expression. Gosh, hadn't thought about that. And I guess in his case, it's Terminal Stupidity.

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Specializes in Critical care, tele, Medical-Surgical.

I think it is very important to be honest and truthful with everyong.

I wish our hospital was actually doing what they should rather than misleading the public that they are 100% ready in the event someone in our state with rule out Ebola or diagnosed with it came to our facility.

I Because it is plain wrong we nurses cannot tell people our facility is ready. We reassure people that there has not been a case in our state and that we are insiting our hospital continue preparing.

I have told friends, family, and neighbors that they can't get Ebola from someone who is not sick.

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Specializes in ortho, hospice volunteer, psych,.

The ten-year-old next door has a teacher who tried to defuse the the Ebola fears by explaining to her fifth graders that the fear of "catching"

Ebola from anyone they'd be likely to meet was slim indeed. She and the

nurse talked and answered questions.

What did he take away from the discussion?

His little brother who is toddler aged had a temp of 99'5°. Did he have IT

and would they all die?

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