Question about MRSA

[exotickitty]

Hi everybody, just found this board, and have to say that I am delighted to be in the company of such fantastic people! I have a question, I am in nursing school (2nd year). I fell last week and cut my elbow, had to have some stitches. Nothing major, but about 48 hours after, my arm was swollen twice its normal size and hurt really bad. I went back to the ER, and was admitted into the hospital with a temp of 103. The following day, I had to have surgery to drain the infection, and when they sent my labs out, I was diagnosed with MRSA. I now have a PICC line and require IV vancomycin for 2 weeks. So, all of that to ask if anyone knows if I will be allowed to continue school and do clinical rounds with this infection. I took two weeks off to allow my elbow to heal, but what is the MRSA is not cleared up by then? Thanks foe any feedback!

[Penelope_Pitstop, BSN, RN]

First of all, exotickitty, welcome to allnurses!

I'm really sorry that this happened to you, although I'm glad you caught this before the infection became worse.

As for whether or not you can return to school, that is up to not only your physician(s) but also your school policy. I'd inquire with both ASAP so you can make plan B if necessary.

I wish you the best!

Just a heads-up, we can't answer medical advice here but I don't think that's what you're asking for exactly.

[Penelope_Pitstop, BSN, RN]

Also, for a person to be declared "clear" on the MRSA front, he or she has to be off of antibiotics for a certain amount of time, and there must be a series of cultures taken a few days apart that all turn up negative.

[exotickitty]

Thanks guys for the input, and thanks DeLana for the heads up re the questions permitted!

[PAERRN20]

I advise you to lay low regarding school. Keep a dry, sterile intact dressing on your PICC line, wear long sleeves, and a lab coat over top that. Practice good handwashing and wear gloves when appropriate. If you follow this you should be good to go.

[DeeAngel]

I advise you to lay low regarding school. Keep a dry, sterile intact dressing on your PICC line, wear long sleeves, and a lab coat over top that. Practice good handwashing and wear gloves when appropriate. If you follow this you should be good to go.

I second all this and I would also advise you to keep your mouth shut and to not discuss the MRSA aspect with anyone. You don't need the chatter and gossip that may go around. Besides it's no ones business.

Get the culture done so you can prove on paper that you are MRSA negative and hang onto it. Employers want access to your medical records these days and this issue may come up time and time again for you so be prepared for questions and providing proof.

[CodyRN]

I think you need to be off antibiotics for 3 weeks and then have 2 separate cultures done. Then, definitely get paper documentation that you are free of it. Good job on catching it early!