Mask question

[mer_RN]

I just went for my new employee physical and I am confused about the NP asking me about "fit testing." I told her that at my last job I "failed" the fit test because i could always taste the saccharine and bitter stuff when it was sprayed while wearing the mask. She was concerned because I will be working in L&D and obviously will have to wear an OR mask. The fit testing I was referring to was for the N95 (I think) TB mask. Why would I have trouble wearing a mask in the OR for C/S? Are the masks worn in the OR the same N95 TB masks? Having not worked in an area where i needed a mask I realized there may be many different kinds and we were possibly talking about a different type. I have no trouble breathing or anything like that while wearing anykind of mask.

any insight?

[fergus51]

They aren't the same masks. The N95s are a lot stiffer and harder than the OR masks. They are more like filters.

[MemphisOBRNC, BSN, RN]

:yeahthat: Our hospital does not require the fit testing for L&D.

[LightningRN]

Our hospital does require fit testing, but I've never had to use one of those types of mask in L&D. The OR masks are completely different. I wouldn't worry about it too much.

[dawngloves, BSN, RN]

That's wrong because in the OR the mask is to protect the pt, not you.

[suzanne4, RN]

And you still should be able to pass the N-95 FIT test, or be tried with another type of mask. There are several different types, such as the green one that most of us are used to, but there is also a pink one that has a duck bill shape to it. Plus a few others. Definitely suggest that you investigate this further and find one that will work for you.

Patients that are positive for TB still have babies and there has to be someone with them in the delivery room and you need more than a regular mask for that.

Did they try only one size for you? Or several?

Even in the OR, you still need to wear the N-95 at times.