Nursing and the Ebola Virus

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For those of us in unaffected countries, are you concerned about the ebola virus spreading? Would you care for ebola patients? I live in an area with a very high density of African immigrants and come into contact with these individuals regularly. We have a lot of African immigrants who bring back tuberculosis from their home countries and at my unit we end up caring for them. We take care of a lot of rare infectious diseases. I was reading an article and it dawned on me how plausible it would be for me to encounter this virus. And I admit, it's terrifying and I might refuse that assignment. Many healthcare workers in Africa are dying because of caring for the ill.

Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
At the hospital I work at we had a TB patient and the nurse scheduled to care for this patient politely refused because he was worried about bringing it home to his children. He wasn't fired or looked down upon. EVERYONE understood. He switched patients with other nurses who were okay and willing. Yes, the nurse supervisor stepped in and helped with this patient. I don't see anything wrong with it as long as the patient is getting the care they need.

It makes me crazy when I hear the proverbial, "But I have children..." Good grief, it's used for everything from refusing to care for certain patients to why they shouldn't have to work holidays, weekends, whatever. People use it like it's some sort of trump card. ("But my children...")

I don't have children, but I have family who loves me. Even if I didn't have a family, there are friends who care about me. Everyone has people who love them, and no one is more expendable than another.

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
After listening to some of the doctors that will be involved in this at Emory, I feel much better about the whole thing. Apparently the female missionary, a nurse, will arrive at Emory shortly. She had been given a unit of blood from a recovered boy, so they wanted her first. Also, they showed pictures of the isolation room, with an ante room, etc., and it looked secure. A previous poster mentioned they were "re-using" isolation gear in the affected countries; I don't think they were. From what I understand, it was being spread by lay people who were touching the infected persons, arranging them for funerals, etc., without protection. Really, it probably is better for them to be at Emory, and the doctors there have assured us there is little concern for spreading.

​Based on the comments some have posted, I was wondering if those individuals had paid any attention to how these patients will be transported and cared for. Thank you for bringing a level-headed commentary to a discussion that is close to running off its rails.

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Specializes in LTAC.
It makes me crazy when I hear the proverbial, "But I have children..." Good grief, it's used for everything from refusing to care for certain patients to why they shouldn't have to work holidays, weekends, whatever. People use it like it's some sort of trump card. ("But my children...")

I don't have children, but I have family who loves me. Even if I didn't have a family, there are friends who care about me. Everyone has people who love them, and no one is more expendable than another.

I guess it's different when you actually have children. I personally wouldn't care for an Ebola patient. Nor would I expect anyone who wasn't comfortable doing it to do it, children or not. That's where accidents happens. Now, I don't use the excuse of my children... I have three... But they and my family are reason enough for me not too. I wouldn't say a "trump" card as it's more of a "I don't want to potentially expose my children or family to this". There are those that use it that way, but that's not the meaning behind my nurse friend or myself.

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Specializes in ICU.

I tell you what. I propose this deal: give me the person that made the final decision to bring these patients back to America, have them suit up with me, even if to just hold their hand, and then I'll suit up too. "Oh, but they're not trained ... yada yada yada ... ". They made the call, let them stand behind their decision and risk themselves too. THEN, I'll suit up with 'em. :yes: :sneaky:

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
I guess it's different when you actually have children. I personally wouldn't care for an Ebola patient. Nor would I expect anyone who wasn't comfortable doing it to do it, children or not. That's where accidents happens. Now, I don't use the excuse of my children... I have three... But they and my family are reason enough for me not too. I wouldn't say a "trump" card as it's more of a "I don't want to potentially expose my children or family to this". There are those that use it that way, but that's not the meaning behind my nurse friend or myself.

You may not see it that way, but that's how it appears to me. Who's supposed to take care of these patients? What if everyone who has kids refuses to care for them? I'm sure at least one of the doctors involved in their care will have kids.

It may not be said out loud, but the tacit message is you're special because you have kids.

On a side note, I think some people need to look up the difference between "affect" and "effect."

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Specializes in Acute Care - Adult, Med Surg, Neuro.
You said it, not me! ;)

Saying you don't want to want to treat "these patients" for fear of getting the virus is ignorant at best, discriminatory at worst. Africa is a massive continent (not country), and you keep repeatedly mentioning "these patients'" ethnicity (when it is irrelevant!) in regards to the virus. It rubs me the wrong way.

It IS relevant, because the virus is spreading if a few select west African countries, and in my area of the country, we have high numbers of immigration from that region. We also have high numbers of immigration from parts of Asian and also Eastern Europe. I care for all patients and am and have been a language advocate (ensuring all patients receive correct medical information through a medical interpreter that speaks their language), and also receive culturally relevant care. I have worked with elders and shamans in my care of patients and have coordinated with physicians so that patient's care is in line with their spiritual and cultural beliefs. Patients and their families have requested that I am their nurse for these reasons. So please, stop the personal attacks.

Back to the topic at hand, to be fair, I have read articles stating that the individuals who doing charity work are washing and re-using PPE including latex gloves, which puts them at increased risk for exposure to the disease.

Somebody mentioned firefighters, isn't there the idea that you have to make sure the scene is safe and that you do not enter unless you can ensure your own safety first. We all take risks everyday at work. But you have to use your judgement and the knowledge available to make sure that you are putting yourself first, otherwise you are no use to others who need your help.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

You may not see it that way, but that's how it appears to me. Who's supposed to take care of these patients? What if everyone who has kids refuses to care for them? I'm sure at least one of the doctors involved in their care will have kids.

It may not be said out loud, but the tacit message is you're special because you have kids.

On a side note, I think some people need to look up the difference between "affect" and "effect."

As for doctors, I expect they will have less risk of getting the virus in the US because it will be the nurse and/or aide that will come into the most contact with the patients and will be cleaning up the blood and vomit etc, not the dr. My understanding is many, but not all, bleed profusely from the virus and then die. Sounds like DIC from the description which many know is not curable, even if we replace the blood. So it will be the front line workers that will be most at risk.

So another question is how did the dr's get it? If they too are not involved in the hands on cleanup of patients in Africa like in America. Or were they helping clean patients up, which would surprise me.

If healthcare workers here get infected from the two patients they are bringing in will they even alert the public? Or will they keep it hush hush to avoid panic and alarm?

I read an article that a Dr claimed that two nurses cancelled their vacations to help take care of the patients. I find that hard to believe. Did they really cancel their vacation voluntarily because they wanted the opportunity to care for patients with Ebola as he said, or were their vacations cancelled by management so they would have to treat these patients? WHat is the truth? Will we ever know? If it is true they voluntarily agreed to care for Ebola patients then I think they should be commended as national heroes for their bravery and self sacrifice! Also I think in a situation like this it should be voluntary not mandatory. Some people are braver and more courageous than others!

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I think nurses should be allowed to refuse, we know our limits and we know how to prioritize. If we prioritize our children over our call to nursing, that is our business. Doesn't make us a bad person.... That being said I would be willing to work with the patients because I find bacteria, viruses, bacteriophages, and genetics fascinating. ^.^

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Specializes in IMCU, Oncology.

I think the "I have children" statement is very valid with a deadly virus like ebola. There is a big difference between "having family and friends who love you" from children who are dependent upon you, esp. if you don't have family to fall back on if you are sick or dead! Ebola is very different from tuberculosis and many other treatable but serious diseases!

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
As for doctors, I expect they will have less risk of getting the virus in the US because it will be the nurse and/or aide that will come into the most contact with the patients and will be cleaning up the blood and vomit etc, not the dr. My understanding is many, but not all, bleed profusely from the virus and then die. Sounds like DIC from the description which many know is not curable, even if we replace the blood. So it will be the front line workers that will be most at risk.

So another question is how did the dr's get it? If they too are not involved in the hands on cleanup of patients in Africa like in America. Or were they helping clean patients up, which would surprise me.

If healthcare workers here get infected from the two patients they are bringing in will they even alert the public? Or will they keep it hush hush to avoid panic and alarm?

I read an article that a Dr claimed that two nurses cancelled their vacations to help take care of the patients. I find that hard to believe. Did they really cancel their vacation voluntarily because they wanted the opportunity to care for patients with Ebola as he said, or were their vacations cancelled by management so they would have to treat these patients? WHat is the truth? Will we ever know? If it is true they voluntarily agreed to care for Ebola patients then I think they should be commended as national heroes for their bravery and self sacrifice! Also I think in a situation like this it should be voluntary not mandatory. Some people are braver and more courageous than others!

Wow...from special exemption due to having popped out kids to wild conspiracy theories about the nurses taking care of these patients. The fun never ends, does it?

My understanding was that one of the patients got the virus from a tainted blood transfusion, although, that could be another one of those lies the gov't puts out to dupe us.

I have a friend who works in a state DOH and specializes in bacterial and viral illnesses. I think I'll shoot him an email and see if he has any information.

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
I think the "I have children" statement is very valid with a deadly virus like ebola. There is a big difference between "having family and friends who love you" from children who are dependent upon you, esp. if you don't have family to fall back on if you are sick or dead! Ebola is very different from tuberculosis and many other treatable but serious diseases!

I have older parents who may need me. They are my only family. If your kids are a good enough excuse, so should the family needs of someone who is childless.

It's very frustrating the way PWK (people with kids) always think they can dump the nasty aspects of this job, be it holidays, dealing with disasters, or contagious diseases on people who don't have kids.

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I am unable to bear children, and I take great offense to the idea that my life is therefore less valuable.

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