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 Ortho/Uro/Peds/Research/PH/Insur/Travel.

My takeaway from all of these posts...and I work in infectious diseases and possess a MPH...is how little we, including physicians, really know about the Ebola virus. THAT is the scariest part.

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My takeaway from all of these posts...and I work in infectious diseases and possess a MPH...is how little we, including physicians, really know about the Ebola virus. THAT is the scariest part.

Very true...scary stuff...

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My takeaway from all of these posts...and I work in infectious diseases and possess a MPH...is how little we, including physicians, really know about the Ebola virus. THAT is the scariest part.

There was an article on the other link that is posted on this page about a test they did regarding it being airborne that is VERY scary if true.

They've always talked about a pandemic of epic proportions-maybe this is it.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
My takeaway from all of these posts...and I work in infectious diseases and possess a MPH...is how little we, including physicians, really know about the Ebola virus. THAT is the scariest part.

^THIS.

Then "what's next"...waiting for the other shoe to drop?

I wonder what information and testing is available to screen for Ebola and how far enough do the healthcare community have to start making a plan of care for exposure-if it's possible at all.

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Ebola-infected Americans to be evacuated - CNN.com

cnn article with the latest. Mentions that a few people want to know why they are being transferred to America. That is an interesting question.

It also mentions that the national institute of health will begin testing an experimental vaccine in people starting in September. I don't know how I feel about that. Hasn't there been some cases of vaccines causing the disease it was meant to prevent?

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Very disturbing that they are introducing the virus in the US.

Placing millions at risk at the chance one healthcare worker isn't being as careful as they ought be.

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

I think it is great. These people are so selfless and great human beings. Dr Brantly and Nancy deserve every possible chance at life they can get.

We have all the resources and technology to bring them here and offer superior care to them safely. This isn't an airborne virus that infects people before symptoms show up or anything like that. Lethal? Yes. However, we are totally capable of caring for them safely.

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Specializes in NICU.

At least one is being evacuated to a hospital near the CDC. I bet they want the opportunity to study the virus on a pt in controlled conditions, rather than in a less-equipped hospital in Africa or via embalmed specimens.

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Specializes in ICU.

Would I volunteer to take care of someone Ebola +? Nope . I've done my shifts in isolation (contact, droplet, positive pressure rooms) with TB and many nasty drug resistant bacteria. Guess I've had my fill. :unsure:

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Specializes in ICU.
Throughout recorded history, there have been communicable diseases with high mortality rates for which there was no known cure, and physicians and nurses have cared for the victims without making a big fuss about it. You use the best practices and protective equipment available, and do your job. I was around for the same panicky discussions when HIV first became a problem, and now everyone is used to it and it's not considered a huge deal, just something we all deal with.

I don't recall putting my life on the line as part of the job description I signed up for and that's something I won't 'deal with'. If you're my manager and want to send me packing, that's fine with me. Before I leave, I'll help you 'zip up' before you go in. :sneaky:

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Specializes in Peds Urology,primary care, hem/onc.

If we knew for certain how to prevent the transmission of this virus, I think I would feel better about bringing them to the US. these workers were taking all the precautions to prevent transmission and they got it anyway. I do not think we have a good understanding on how this virus is currently transmitted. That is what makes me fearful. The CDC keeps saying, do not worry, there is NO risk, we know how to contain it. So how did these two workers get sick???

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I don't recall putting my life on the line as part of the job description I signed up for and that's something I won't 'deal with'. If you're my manager and want to send me packing, that's fine with me. Before I leave, I'll help you 'zip up' before you go in. :sneaky:

If I were your manager, I would send you packing, and report you to the BON in case I could get your license in trouble. I recall seeing people flatly refuse to care for AIDS patients back in the day, and I still don't understand why they weren't fired and stripped of their licenses on the spot.

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