Risk of Infectious Disease: Job Hazard for this with Kids?

[rookieq]

Hi there,

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.....

Thank you for any feedback.

[cardsRN]

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.

[scrubsnhugsRN]

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

[rookieq]

Thank you so much for all the helpful replies...

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....

:)