Just wanted to get some feedback (US based nurses) on how likely is it that you can be infected with a hazardous disease while doing your job, which obviously you would not want to pass on to your small kids. This is assuming you dont apply for a position in the infectious diseases area.
Are there a lot of cases in which the RNs (given that you get first contact with an ill patient) end up getting exposed or become carriers of a bad disease?
I am about to enroll for a BSN and all my relatives keep saying "oh its scary to be a nurse, especially since you have 3 small kids because of the chances of being exposed to a deadly disease bla bla blah.......":o
I will still pursue it though, but just wanted to hear how it really is in the real nursing environment.....
honestly, no. wash your hands and use the recommended PPE for the situation. my son brings home all kinds of crap from the playroom at my gym though. i've been sick for a week with the latest round.
but then again, i work in cardiac surgery. those who work in "buggier" areas (MICU maybe) may have more to worry about as far as strep/flu/GI bugs. so glove, gown, mask, wash and choose your area of practice carefully if you are worried i think.
My parents are nurses, and I have worked in health care since before my children were born. I rarely got sick as a child nor my brother, and the same goes for my children. Personally, I believe if you use universal precautions and have a decent immune system you are pretty good to go.
To be honest I think I have a better immune system just from being around all those "bugs" for years!! Hehe
Its nice to know that the precautions are much better now compared to 20 years ago and the risk of catching a dreaded disease is not really something to worry about....
cardsRN
142 Posts
honestly, no. wash your hands and use the recommended PPE for the situation. my son brings home all kinds of crap from the playroom at my gym though. i've been sick for a week with the latest round.
but then again, i work in cardiac surgery. those who work in "buggier" areas (MICU maybe) may have more to worry about as far as strep/flu/GI bugs. so glove, gown, mask, wash and choose your area of practice carefully if you are worried i think.