"Houston we have a problem" This just got very real

Published

And so it begins....

A health care worker who treated Thomas Eric Duncan, the first person in the U.S. diagnosed with Ebola who later died, has preliminarily tested positive for the deadly virus, the Texas Department of State Health Services said in a statement today.

The health care worker at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital has been isolated since reporting a low-grade fever Friday, the department said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will conduct further testing to confirm the diagnosis.

"We knew a second case could be a reality, and we've been preparing for this possibility," Dr. David Lakey, commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services said in the statement. "We are broadening our team in Dallas and working with extreme diligence to prevent further spread."

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/texas-health-care-worker-tests-positive-ebola/story?id=26135108
Sheeesh, I wonder how many others of the 77 staff they are supposed to be monitoring are off travelling. As of yesterday I heard the staff was furloughed and told to remain home or they could room at the Texas hospital.
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Specializes in Nurse Scientist-Research.
Sheeesh, I wonder how many others of the 77 staff they are supposed to be monitoring are off travelling. As of yesterday I heard the staff was furloughed and told to remain home or they could room at the Texas hospital.

Yea, they're welcome to room at the hospital because this normally busy hospital is 2/3 empty right now according to reports (husband's a news hound).

That should help with the staffing crunch.

Seriously though, I can only imagine the anxiety of being one of the 70+, sitting at home, listening to the ever-so-accurate news reports, seeing the dozens of reporters camped out all over your campus, or sitting at home hearing from your coworkers how all the patients are leaving, and quickly. . .

And how about the employees that have nothing to do with any of this. . . cafeteria employees, valets, and such, now wondering about the future of their hospital. My heart goes out to all of them.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

I think the facility will survive this sensationalism. There is usually public avoidance when this kind of stuff occurs. I'll bet the whole area will be suppressed like the shopping malls. I wouldn't be hanging out in one for a while. I know it is probably fine...but....

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Texas Hospital Director 'Deeply Sorry' for 'Mistakes' - NBC News

Texas Hospital Director 'Deeply Sorry' for 'Mistakes'

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Anderson Cooper showed this video tonight. It shows Nina Pham in her hospital bed at the Texas Hospital with her treating MD saying good bye to her before she left for Maryland. Anderson Cooper makes a comment about Nina's medical doctor being in FULL protective gear.

Video shows Nina Pham in hospital room - CNN.com Video

She is such a sweetheart! Praying for her, Amber and all the staff at Dallas Presbyterian.

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NIH conference stated that Ms Pham is fair condition, ask why her condition was downgraded they citied patient confidentially. Good news Dr Fucici stated they had every reason to believe she will walk out of the NIH.

Dallas Ebola patient Nina Pham 'resting' at NIH in Md.

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Specializes in Critical care, tele, Medical-Surgical.

StopEbola_zps2f1150d4.jpg

Frontline hospital workers must have the highest level of protective equipment, such as Hazmat suits used by the Nebraska Medical Center personnel who treat patients with Ebola. * Frontline hospitals workers must have ongoing, interactive education and hands-on training with the ability to ask questions. Additionally, they should have training that includes drills with other hospital personnel, including practicing donning and doffing of appropriate HazMat suits and other personal protective equipment (PPE).

Resources to help:

http://www.nationalnursesunited.org/pages/nnu-nurses-toolkit

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Specializes in All areas of Critical Care, ED, PACU, Pre-Op, BH,.

I can say I have been hit by projectile diarrhea! I had on my flimsy yellow paper gown, gloves, shoe coverings (that I insisted I use) and I got C-diff! I did the best I could do. The poor patient was too weak to stand up and the diarrhea flew everywhere! No one would help me in a busy ED. The doctor would not go in. He stood outside of her area and asked me questions. I was off work (for 2 months) and in the hospital myself. I became septic. Was informed I could die. My hospital still didn't give us better protective gear.

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Herring - I often disagree with your positions, but I totally I agree with National Nurses Unite, I have never been a big organize union person, but I have been very impressed with these nurses and thinking of joining to support them.

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I can say I have been hit by projectile diarrhea! I had on my flimsy yellow paper gown, gloves, shoe coverings (that I insisted I use) and I got C-diff! I did the best I could do. The poor patient was too weak to stand up and the diarrhea flew everywhere! No one would help me in a busy ED. The doctor would not go in. He stood outside of her area and asked me questions. I was off work (for 2 months) and in the hospital myself. I became septic. Was informed I could die. My hospital still didn't give us better protective gear.

that is sad. They just don't care.

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
She must not have followed protocol for the removal of PPE. That's all I can think of. Or, we don't know the full story on how it's transmitted.

Why are so many here quick to blame the nurse? "Oh, she must have done something wrong..." How about she wasn't given the appropriate PPE.

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Specializes in All areas of Critical Care, ED, PACU, Pre-Op, BH,.

How many of you out there have the appropriate equipment at work? I know we don't!

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