Microbiology concerns!

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I am currently enrolled in microbiology. I had my first class last night. There is a LOT I didn't know about this course before I got into it. I was of the impression that we'd be doing a lot of hard work with knowledge, etc and anticipated that for the lab section we would be doing things like looking at pre-made slides and such. I guess I'd just not really thought about it that much or looked into it that deeply.

Well, what I've now found out is that we will be working with various assorted contaminants, some rather serious, and many types of funguses and such. We were told how to dress for lab, that we need to have 2 disposable lab coats in case of spillage then there is one to throw away and we should keep the other in the car so that we can go and get it. We are to have special shoes, goggles, gloves and preferably scrubs to wear to avoid contamination spread.

Okay, so my biggest dilemma is that I have an immunocompromised cat at home. She is my baby girl and I am EXTREMELY careful with what comes into the house. If some of these "bugs" traveled home with me accidently this could be very serious.

What I would like to know is if I am just potentially overreacting to all the dress code things and such and/or if there is really that much to be concerned with. In other words, has anyone heard of anyone who actually did bring any "bugs" or funguses home with them? Or is this just a hugely preventative measure on the school's part to avoid lawsuits and such should anything ever actually happen?

It is still early enough that if it looks like a bad thing to do I can drop this class and get my money back. I will still need to get the credit for this class somehow and don't relish having to take this as an online or self study clep course but staying in this class is NOT worth ANY degree of risk to my baby girl.

Please share your thoughts on this with me. Thank you.

Sue

Dear SueCNA

I took Micro over the summer, and I too had no Idea we would be working with species and live bacteria either. Our professor advised us that legally all the bacteria we worked with was safe, mostly normal flora you find already in existence that you come in contact with everyday. Like Epi. Staph. That is found on your skin. However, there were some that she said could affect persons with compromised immune systems. In addition as the class got going, I as well as other students suffered a massive acme breakouts, as well as a sore throat and head ache every day. Now that could have been due to poor techniques (making slides etc.) The only thing I can advise is to talk to your professor; she would no better then anyone else if it is safe, perhaps she can even give you a list of organisms you are working with and you can go over it with your vet. I would also suggest changing your clothes before you get home. The class is safe, however I don't blame you about your concerns. My cats are my life as well and I would be just as concerned. Lastly, I always washed my hands with a 50% bleach/water mix before I left and changed my clothes...just to be safe. Good luck.

Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

Welp...I have to say, if you're an immunocompromised cat that you're concerned about, then perhaps you should rethink going into nursing in general. You're going to be schooling and/or working in a hospital setting, and there are lots of sick people there.

As far as Micro, you will surely learn aseptic technique, and along with that goes the practice of making sure any contaminated clothes are properly handled. You may want to keep your shoes out in the garage between uses.

I agree with all the above. Especially about keep your shoes out of the house. When I took Micro it was actually recommended to us. As well as refraining from the use of lipbalm and chewing gum within the lab. It still amazed though to see people bring their water bottles in...Ewwww!

I had Micro last Spring. And my instructor was very very picky about the way we handled things. There was nothing adnormal that happend- which is good. But I agree with the above postings.

But remember too, have fun in the class! I had a blast in Micro, that lab was the best science lab I have ever had. Although the lecture was tough (all 120 students had to do presentations on certain pathogens, for the last 3 weeks of the course). I has alot of fun in that class. And got a A too. :) So take the nescessary precautions, and such, and have fun. :)

Welp...I have to say, if you're an immunocompromised cat that you're concerned about, then perhaps you should rethink going into nursing in general. You're going to be schooling and/or working in a hospital setting, and there are lots of sick people there.

.

:uhoh3: A little exteme and unempathetic response, don't ya think ?

As far as your cat is concerned I think it will be OK. Does it have FIV? Just take off your shoes and use common sense.. Plus wash your hands/arms really well. He will be OK. I love my cats too :) Good luck.

Welp...I have to say, if you're an immunocompromised cat that you're concerned about, then perhaps you should rethink going into nursing in general. You're going to be schooling and/or working in a hospital setting, and there are lots of sick people there.

My area is psychiatrics and plan to do clinical portions in long term care facility. And its generally a different type of "bug" altogether that I would run into in that type of person to person care.

Dear SueCNA

In addition as the class got going, I as well as other students suffered a massive acme breakouts, as well as a sore throat and head ache every day.

Thanks for your reply! That doesn't sound like fun at all! I'm still torn as to whether to stay in this class or not. I have talked with folks at the school I am wanting to attend next year and they did tell me that if I can find a 4 credit online version of the course that indeed they will accept this - however, the one I'd *thought* I'd found was actually an in-person class so I am still looking in to that possibility. I need to have this figured out by tomorrow unfortunately so I'm scrambling at this point.

If I do stay in it, yes indeed I will do the whole change the clothing thing every day of class though. It just seems like a lot to have to go through complete decontamination procedures in order to take a class so maybe I'm just a little lazy too for hoping to not have to go through all this.

I wouldn't imagine that what you use in lab would be *that* bad, if for no other reason than for the school's insurance or legal issues.

That said, just wash your hands, wear your lab coats, and follow the usual PPE. Use an anti-bacterial and/or anti-microbial soap & I would think that all will be just fine. If you're really REALLY concerned (I'm certain that if you followed the universal precautions, you'd be fine), you can always bring a change of clothes & change in the bathroom before going home, I suppose.

Specializes in Neuro/Med-Surg/Oncology.

Does your school have a fitness center or gym where you can shower after lab? You could bag your shoes and keep them in the trunk.

Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.
:uhoh3: A little exteme and unempathetic response, don't ya think ?

No, actually I don't think so. If she's concerned about her cat WRT Microbiology, then there is going to be at least as much of a concern when she's actually working in a hospital setting.

You may see it as unempathetic; I like to call it "pragmatic." :)

CCConline is a 4 hour class all online. It is community colleges of Colorado. Look that up online.

Thanks for your reply! That doesn't sound like fun at all! I'm still torn as to whether to stay in this class or not. I have talked with folks at the school I am wanting to attend next year and they did tell me that if I can find a 4 credit online version of the course that indeed they will accept this - however, the one I'd *thought* I'd found was actually an in-person class so I am still looking in to that possibility. I need to have this figured out by tomorrow unfortunately so I'm scrambling at this point.

If I do stay in it, yes indeed I will do the whole change the clothing thing every day of class though. It just seems like a lot to have to go through complete decontamination procedures in order to take a class so maybe I'm just a little lazy too for hoping to not have to go through all this.

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