heartsformexico

Well, I had the pleasure of being the first nurse to run an Influenza test that proved positive for Influenza A yesterday. What a way to start a busy shift! The resident had been sharing the room with a dialysis patient for several weeks. And then there is HIPPA...fortunately the room mate had been running a fever (r/t wounds) which I could give as an excuse to swab and test for Influenza. When the PCP came in she said, we will have to treat everyone who has worked closely with him with Tamiflu. And the roommate's PCP was quick to give me an order for Tamiflu for his patient. When I went to my DON to explain that we needed to treat caregiving staff she informed me that EVERYONE was going to have to be treated because one NAC who had just worked Sunday and Monday shift just tested positive. Big Sigh. Well, at least there will no dancing around to avoid HIPPA violations when we tell everyone that they were exposed to Influenza.... I am finally recovering from the bronchial virus (tested negative for Influenza) after 3 weeks. I am a little worried as my defenses are not restored....did not receive the questionable flu vaccine for the first time in years due to URIs. I appreciate your experiences and wisdom about this topic, and also just talking about the craziness of our little corner of the nursing world. I love it, I really love it. But between crazy family members who think you must be available to their parent whatever the needs of the other residents, or who think they should tell the professionals how the care plan should be designed even though they have no idea what they are talking about, and the demands of the State which expects you to do an impossible job with insufficient resources.....oh, and hospitals sending you patients that haven't pooped in 5 DAYS!, well, we are special aren't we?