tealRN

JustBeachyNurse: I just edited my first entry. Also, I'm still getting the hang of doing replies to specific people not just to my own post. But, to answer your questions: yes, I was wearing gloves and gown, no I did not put a rectal thermometer to my lips, and no there wasn't visible stool on the stethoscope. Yes, I washed my hands--soap and warm water. I'm a bit confused on what you're trying to say. You're saying I'm too paranoid then you reference that C. diff spores can live on medical equipment that could have been contaminated i.e. why I am concerned since it IS possible there were spores on the patient's chest and bed gown that transferred onto the steth while I was auscultating. I will be contacting my physician, was just asking for people's experiences really. Thank you for your input!

Okay thank you. I will take it down soon. I will repost asking only for people's personal experiences with this dilemma, which was my intention, as I know that the only way to know for sure is by stool sample culture. Also I don't have anxiety and generally deal with stress well. I could totally see how I may have come off that way in my original thread though!

Hi fellow nurses, So I just started working as an RN and it's also my first time posting here. As the title states, I think I may have contracted C. diff. Warning: long drawn out story ahead of why I think I may have C. diff. If you don't want to read through it, my main question here is asking your experiences/stories with you or other nurses you know contracting C. diff. - My first day at the bedside (I had been on the unit for 2 days before this but I was doing orientation stuff and was not at the bedside), my preceptor and I were doing an assessment on a patient with C. diff. The disposable stethoscope I had just used to listen to heart and bowel sounds that was around my neck swung and brushed my bottom lip as I was leaning over the patient. I flipped out a little and tried not to lick my lips (I do that often), rubbed it a little but went on with my day, not wanting to bring it up or leave suddenly to wash my lip. I know, I know, you're thinking I should have and I agree. I convinced myself that since he wasn't actively ******** that I'd probably be okay. - I had recently been on abx for a strep infection (6 day regimen of Cipro I believe), and I took my last dose 4-5 days before my first day on the unit at the bedside when the incident happened. I think that last dose was taken on my technical first day on the unit (not at the bedside) or maybe the day before or after. - One week and 4 days ago was when that event happened. Today I've had 4 BM's (1st mostly formed, last 3 mostly water, but the 4th wasn't a lot at all). I know it's a lot of info, but I'd really appreciate your input. I've read another thread on here (there are only 2 addressing this on this website) that said the nurse couldn't get worker's compensation bc they didn't fill out a report the day of. I'm worried aslo bc my benefits don't kick in till Sept 5th and I know some of these treatments are expensive even with insurance. TL;DR: Thoughts, suggestions, stories from personal or friend's/co-worker's experiences are much appreciated. Thank you!