Marianna5

ML1376, I understand how you feel. Initially I took unofficial unpaid leave because it was too hard for me to just leave. Shortly after I send my resignation notice without working two weeks. I know the situation with PPE was only getting worse at my work place. My hubby works at ED in a different state. Every nurse on COVID unit wears N95 and every nurse! dons a PARP before entering a patient room on top of N 95. I feel much better now and know I made a right decision. There will be consequences for my decision, no rehire, no references, etc. I am trying to figure out my next job. I will not work without having N95 and goggles and being allowed to wear them for the whole shift without multiple donning and doffing. I understand the dire situation with PPE and ordered my own reusable envo N95. I hope you feel better and figure out your next step. Stay safe!

I am in the same boat here. Realistically speaking the majority of jobs in healthcare will always involve exposure to COVID patients in the future. Bedside nursing is the most intense in terms of exposure. Having preexisting condition I don't know when or if I am going to do bedside nursing again. Get an advanced degree and work in telehealth? Billining and coding? I am looking into alternatives. Right now we have to worry that the society will hold together through this pandemic.

Nurse SMS, Thank you for your kind and wise words. We have to support each other no matter how we express themselves and deal with this situation. I left my job due to lack of PPE, but I am regrouping and buying my own PPE and hoping to return to bedside at some point to help. My impression that physicians are in a better position than nurses. Better PPE, much more kind to each other, free consults for emotional/mental health.

Theoneandonly, Thank you for sharing this information. I think you just tried to warn people with preexisting conditions. I left my job without finishing up 2 week notice. I couldn't stand the cavalier attitude of my coworkers. Nurses from COVID unit are using the same nursing station, no social distancing, hardly anybody wearing masks, stuff from COVID unit laying around. Hopefully, this virus is not going to be the end of the world and not everybody with health issues are going to be hit hard. For many people the risk is real.

Theoneandonly, Thank you sharing your experience with us. I know a lot of nurse wonder what is really happening in these hot spots because situation is not overly crazy yet in some states. I totally agree with you with the grim predictions about the healthcare and society in current situation. I am thinking about a couple of possible scenarios: mass testing HCWs for antibody/immunity, promising faster access to vaccines to HCWs, and possible militarizing the states and mandatory recall for all HCWs. What do you think the repercussions are going to be for HCWs who have left jobs in this situation? Thank you.

NurseBlaq, Thank you for your words.

Very good point about military and nurses!

Good idea. Thank you!

Hello, I understand your feelings. I had chemotherapy 2 years ago. I don't believe my immune system will sustain constant onslaught of the viral exposure working without proper PPEs. I am turning my 2 week notice in. I can afford to be out of work for a few months but I will need a job. I would like to take FMLA instead of resignation to figure things out (not sure if I am qualified and how to get it). I hope there will be the test for antibody available soon or they finally start mass producing PPEs. Stay safe!

Does anybody know what qualifies you for FMLA ? I had a chemotherapy 2 years ago but stable currently. Will call my oncologist tomorrow to find out about it but he is not a compassionate kind and probably will deny any assistance for me to go on FMLA.

Thank you for your response. I don't think it is going to work because we are in a crisis situation and CDC released this bandanas/scarves guidelines...

Thank you, guys. I still don't know what to do. Older mom here with young kids and immunocompromised health. In a few months it will be either apocalyptic situation here or the government gets things under certain control, producing PPE for healthcare workers, increased testing, etc.

I am thinking how to word the reason for leaving.

I just read new updates on our PPE policy - no N95 masks for taking care of covid patients except for certain procedures. Last time I worked we were still allowed to wear N95 (one per shift). I am turning my 2 week notice in... Do you think there will be repercussions for your license of quitting the job in this time even with 2 weeks notice?

Thank you. I tried to discuss with coworkers about our pay if we get sick, lack of PPE, etc. It was not received well, I was told it is a part of the job and I knew what I was getting into when choosing nursing. I see a lot of cavalier attitudes among nurses right now. The reality is healthcare is a business like any other. There will be some unlucky ones who get very sick.