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

[Esme12]

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

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

And I've worked with BSN-prepared nurses who couldn't put their gowns on correctly even with a big picture on the outside the the box for instruction! (They were the kind with the loop that goes over the thumb, and that is supposed to go under the gloves, and I saw several who would always put their gloves on first, then the gown and thumb loop over top.) I've also worked with nurses who wipe the wrong direction for peri and catheter care, shake out patient bed linens all over me, and take a used mouth swab, put emollient on it, and then run that disgusting thing all over the patient's lips.

I was taught in CNA school how to properly apply and remove PPE. Please get over your assumption that nurses must be too smart to do it wrong, and CNAs must be too stupid to do it right.

We were ALL taught how to apply and remove PPE. Over the last few years I have seen an ever increasing lackadaisical attitude toward the removal of PPE and soiled linen and trash from isolation rooms from ALL personnel. I think we lost or "fear" of contagions.

But I still believe we should double bag.

To note: We do not know for sure it was a break in technique. We don't' even know what type of PPE the nurse was wearing. It just may well be that the nurse performed flawlessly....but that there is more to learn about Ebola.

That nurse and her family must be terrified. Dallas Nurse you are bored and reading this...we are praying for you (as well as all the personnel) and sending good vibes.

[champagnesupeRNova]

The "healthcare worker" was an ER nurse that took care of him during his second visit to the ER. Reports say she was wearing a gown, gloves, mask, and shield. She wasn't wearing the "spacesuit" type of PPE, so parts of her body (like head and legs) were exposed. This doesn't necessarily mean that she removed the PPE the wrong way. Also, he hadn't been diagnosed with Ebola yet when she was treating him.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

The "healthcare worker" was an ER nurse that took care of him during his second visit to the ER. Reports say she was wearing a gown, gloves, mask, and shield. She wasn't wearing the "spacesuit" type of PPE, so parts of her body (like head and legs) were exposed. This doesn't necessarily mean that she removed the PPE the wrong way. Also, he hadn't been diagnosed with Ebola yet when she was treating him.

I didn't hear that it was the ED nurse....who confirmed that?

[champagnesupeRNova]

I've seen it in a couple of reports. Here's one from CNN:

Ebola: Texas nurse tests positive - CNN.com

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

I have to read it again I just read it and it didn't say she was the ED nurse

A health care worker at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas who had "extensive contact" on "multiple occasions" with Thomas Eric Duncan has tested positive for Ebola after a preliminary test, officials said Sunday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta is conducting confirmatory testing, and its results are expected to be announced later in the day.

The patient is a nurse, an official who is familiar with this case told CNN.

She was involved in Duncan's care after he was placed in isolation and was wearing protective gear as prescribed by the CDC: gown, gloves, mask and shield, officials said.

Well that clears it up that she wasn't wearing a space suit. I actually didn't see that earlier. Extensive contact on multiple occasions after isolation doesn't sound like the ED nurse.

Now....why aren't nurses wearing the space suits we see everywhere else?

[Raviepoo]

I was taught in CNA school how to properly apply and remove PPE. Please get over your assumption that nurses must be too smart to do it wrong, and CNAs must be too stupid to do it right.

You were taught that, but I have known many CNAs who were not. I also know nurses who get sloppy or who just don't care. I've also seen people walk right into rooms that should have been precaution rooms because the proper information is not yet posted outside the door.

Please don't take my statement as a personal attack. It's not that.

[Raviepoo]

I have to read it again I just read it and it didn't say she was the ED nurseWell that clears it up that she wasn't wearing a space suit. I actually didn't see that earlier. Extensive contact on multiple occasions after isolation doesn't sound like the ED nurse.

Now....why aren't nurses wearing the space suits we see everywhere else?

Good question and I'm guessing that the answer might have something to to with a certain green substance. Medical professionals who are preparing to go to Africa are taught to use the space suits. I guess none of the big healthcare brains has made that leap just yet.

[champagnesupeRNova]

I have to read it again I just read it and it didn't say she was the ED nurseWell that clears it up that she wasn't wearing a space suit. I actually didn't see that earlier. Extensive contact on multiple occasions after isolation doesn't sound like the ED nurse.

Now....why aren't nurses wearing the space suits we see everywhere else?

They keep updating the article on CNN. It was last updated about half an hour ago. But the first article had said it was the ER nurse who took care of him during his 2nd ER visit. So now I guess that's not confirmed.

[Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN]

What nurse taking care of an ebola patient would not use the best practice? Now on CNN they are saying that the Buddy system should have occurred meaning a second person should have been observing for breech in practice ( I do not know one hospital that would double staff).

There has been talk of euthanizing this nurse's pets.

So far my take is. They really do not know how this virus is transmitted and being a nurse puts your life in risk ( Duncan's family did not have one good thing to say about the nurses) for ungrateful patients and family. Your life may change to the point were your pets maybe in danger.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

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.

I'm only speculating, but I suspect there's a small chance it can be transmitted from person to person via the aerosolized route even though the CDC states it is spread via direct contact. Again, I'm only speculating...

[subee, MSN, CRNA]

You were taught that, but I have known many CNAs who were not. I also know nurses who get sloppy or who just don't care. I've also seen people walk right into rooms that should have been precaution rooms because the proper information is not yet posted outside the door.

Please don't take my statement as a personal attack. It's not that.

duskyjewel: get over yourself. I think the implication is that the number of staff that would be exposed to this patient would be limited and thus, more likely that a nurse was caring for the patient rather than a CNA.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Update....

She was not one of the initial 48 people who have been monitored for Ebola after they came into contact with Duncan when he was admitted into the hospital, said Frieden, but is instead part of an additional group of people who may have come into contact with Duncan while he was being treated.

Another article mentioned the dialysis and intubation as a vulnerable spot for infection.

I want to know where the staff hazmat suits are.