Scabies patient

[EDScrubLife77]

So I’ve worked in an ER as an RN for about a year. I had a patient come in today with a weird generalized rash. At times, we are a little relaxed about PPE. I know I never touched her directly without gloves, but I definitely put a blood pressure cuff and pulse ox cable a few times without wearing gloves, just out of habit. Well I was super surprised when our PA told me she thought the patient had scabies. I never even had a gown or anything on and was in contact with her surroundings. Totally freaking out at my chances of getting it. Please help calm my nerves.

[nursenmom3]

My kid has scabies. It can live in the grass so It is easy for a kid to catch if they play outside in places where other kids play. The doctor said he likely got it from a soccer field.

It was mildly itchy and cleared up with one application of lotion. We also vacuumed the house and car and washed the bedding on hot. He was at an age when he was cuddling parents and wrestling friends and siblings. No one else got it.

We have dealt with ringworm, lice, fleas, and ticks. So far we have avoided bed bugs, but I see signs of them all the time on patients so I am neurotic about avoiding bringing them home. Of those things, scabies was by far the lowest stress.