It occurred to me this morning that Ms. Pham or Ms. Vinson might be members here at AN, and they may be reading some of these threads since most of their communication would be limited to cyberspace at this point. (Some other people may have already noted that - I haven't read all the Ebola threads.)
I just want to say directly to them, if they are reading... you are in my thoughts. I admire your courage in trying to care for a patient without the necessary equipment and training. I'm sorry that you had to become the face of nursing safety issues in this way, but I hope we can take advantage of your unfortunate circumstances to improve conditions for all of us. Regardless of the media coverage, blaming, PR and legal maneuvering, and political spin you may be subjected to, please know that I hold you in the highest regard, and first and foremost wish for your quick and full recovery.
Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
I do hope both of them get better soon; however I am with the others, if you know you have been exposed to a deadly disease and the incubation can be up to 21 days, why would you choose to fly and put others, including children at risk?! To me a very selfish decision on her part.
These two nurses are fighting for their lives after their employer and the CDC failed them. And THIS is what you wish them to read right now? Not only are you wrong, but you're being incredibly mean to these two nurses. Vinson wasn't selfish -- she didn't know what to do in her situation, so she consulted the experts. They gave her bad advice, but that was not HER fault. The vitriol you're spreading IS your fault. I hope you re-think your actions.
I agree with OCNRN - maybe the OP can ask the mods to remove the posts that bring in other subjects (like above which is off topic) besides what the OP intended? There are many other threads to debate this issue . . .
I think that would not be good for the two nurses. They need to be prepared for what's coming, which is a lot of other nurses saying similar things. They're adults and can handle themselves as licensed nurses. Free speech and all that, and again they will hear a lot of it...better to prepare them instead of hiding the truth and act like it's all wine and roses.
I myself made a post and said some similar things but upon reflection erased it and said stay well. They won't be able to hide from the naysayers so let them read and prepare themselves.
Doesn't really matter as they are being dubbed hero's on the news and probably aren't too concerned about the negative stuff.
I can't bring myself to hold a person who knew she had a fever after exposure to an Ebola patient and then chose to put hundreds of other people at risk by traveling on a commercial airline, TWICE, in highest regard.
I don't care what some CDC phone monkey told her, she should have known better.
I understand what you are saying, but based on all she was told at her place of work she probably thought she was OK or she could have hoped she was OK. I am sure she is regretful for flying, and I pray no one else gets ill, but with such an knowledge gap on Ebola I am not sure I 100% blame her. Mistakes were made and they are notifying who they need too. Prayers for Amber and everyone on the plane. Please put yourself in her place, I am sure she is beating herself up as all nurses tend to do.
Specializes in All areas of Critical Care, ED, PACU, Pre-Op, BH,.
What the heck are you talking about? I merely related how when I run a very slight temp I know I am sick! My gosh some of YOU people here are off your block! So, people cannot write their own feelings? All I am trying to say is, I don't think a temp (of any kind) should be the black and white answer. So, for me, I personally would go with how I feel. I've gone to the hospital several times with a low grade temp, achey, tired and slight sob. I'm generally diagnosed with something such as pneumonia. That is me, my body. People quit getting so defensive! Nurse Leigh, you are reading way too much negativity into everything you read. Get over it. Not everyone in this world is looking for a fight. Lay off woman!
Specializes in All areas of Critical Care, ED, PACU, Pre-Op, BH,.
I agree with your post. I've heard much more negative and very mean statements coming out of the public's mouth as well as other nurses at work about this incident. Unfortunately, the 2nd nurse is going to hear her share of very cruel comments.
Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
No one who is concerned as to whether they could possibly be infected or might be spreading a virus should consult an expert about whether or not they should fly, quarantine themselves or check into a hospital? No one should BELIEVE what the experts tell them? The breakdown occurred at the CDC, not in Vinson's judgement or critical thinking and I think it's cruel to come on a thread addressing them by name and then lambast them for what YOU perceive is an error in judgement.
These comments remind me of the old country song that goes, "Oh Lord, it's hard to be humble when you're perfect in every way."
It's amazing to me that these people level their criticism at Amber Vinson, not the idiots at the CDC who mislead her. And just because one person is sick with a temp of 99.5 does not mean that is true for everyone else.
After Watergate, I'm not a great believer in the integrity of any data given to me by the government.
If you believe the unemployment figures that the government hands out every month, you believe in your magical thinking; accepting that the CDC always knows what it is doing is foolish. Obviously, this is unchartered territory and it shouldn't be. The government's tenor is one of subduing the public's fears and that's all. Our president went to Harvard and he knows what's best for us (snark).
If you dislike our government so much and think they are lying about everything, feel free to leave. I will never apologize for having faith in my country and believing they are doing the best they can with the information given.
If you dislike our government so much and think they are lying about everything, feel free to leave. I will never apologize for having faith in my country and believing they are doing the best they can with the information given.
Well Nina or Amber if you made it this far in the thread..probably not due to some "ME Shows". I hope for the best and I pray for your best recovery. You ladies are idols for going in knowing the risks and doing what you love.."Nursing".
If you dislike our government so much and think they are lying about everything, feel free to leave. I will never apologize for having faith in my country and believing they are doing the best they can with the information given.
Oh, anyone who is critical of the government in these two arenas that I used as examples (unemployment rates and OK'ing people in close contact with Ebola patients to fly) means that
I am un-American? Sounds like commentary on FoxTV. I prefer to rely on critical thinking. Doesn't mean I wasn't a little teary-eyed when Obama was inaugurated but doesn't mean that I worship at his feet either. Everybody makes mistakes.
I think that would not be good for the two nurses. They need to be prepared for what's coming, which is a lot of other nurses saying similar things. They're adults and can handle themselves as licensed nurses. Free speech and all that, and again they will hear a lot of it...better to prepare them instead of hiding the truth and act like it's all wine and roses.
I myself made a post and said some similar things but upon reflection erased it and said stay well. They won't be able to hide from the naysayers so let them read and prepare themselves.
Doesn't really matter as they are being dubbed hero's on the news and probably aren't too concerned about the negative stuff.
Trust me, there’s already more than enough hatred and vitriol on the world wide web directed at these nurses, to cause even the strongest person to suffer a complete emotional breakdown or worse. I don’t think that they need us to add more criticism in order to “prepare them”.
The internet is full of ignorant, cruel and plain old mean people, who will post the most vicious things under the protection of anonymity.
These nurses are in my thoughts. I wish them all the best, a speedy recovery and hope that they’ll have the strength and support needed to deal with the challenges they’ll face
Ruby Vee, BSN
17 Articles; 14,051 Posts
These two nurses are fighting for their lives after their employer and the CDC failed them. And THIS is what you wish them to read right now? Not only are you wrong, but you're being incredibly mean to these two nurses. Vinson wasn't selfish -- she didn't know what to do in her situation, so she consulted the experts. They gave her bad advice, but that was not HER fault. The vitriol you're spreading IS your fault. I hope you re-think your actions.