I work in a trauma ICU. We currently have enough PPE to wear when taking care of COVID-19 patients or rule out patients.
My question is about how you are protecting yourself in the hospital in general. I am practicing social distancing at home. I cross the street if another person approaches when I am walking my dog. I get my groceries only through no-contact doorstep delivery. I wipe down and wear gloves at the gas pump.
But when I'm getting report, or in the huddle room before shift, or sitting at the nurse's station, I am completely exposed. Nurses are not allowed to wear masks generally in the hospital. I think it's incredibly likely that some nurses will be exposed on public transit, or at the store, and become asymptomatic carriers and could spread the infection through staff as if we're a cruise ship!
What's your hospital policy on wearing your own mask when interacting with other staff? Our nursing supervisors, RT's, housekeeping, security all wear masks all the time but nurses are not allowed. What's your take?
Hi all,
I work in a trauma ICU. We currently have enough PPE to wear when taking care of COVID-19 patients or rule out patients.
My question is about how you are protecting yourself in the hospital in general. I am practicing social distancing at home. I cross the street if another person approaches when I am walking my dog. I get my groceries only through no-contact doorstep delivery. I wipe down and wear gloves at the gas pump.
But when I'm getting report, or in the huddle room before shift, or sitting at the nurse's station, I am completely exposed. Nurses are not allowed to wear masks generally in the hospital. I think it's incredibly likely that some nurses will be exposed on public transit, or at the store, and become asymptomatic carriers and could spread the infection through staff as if we're a cruise ship!
What's your hospital policy on wearing your own mask when interacting with other staff? Our nursing supervisors, RT's, housekeeping, security all wear masks all the time but nurses are not allowed. What's your take?
Thanks!