when do you think hospitals will go back to not requiring masks?

[J89Mike]

Just curious. In my state many establishments don't require masks anymore, but each hospital system I've been in is still requiring all staff to wear masks. do you think hospitals will eventually not require mask mandates except when deemed clinically necessary IE flu, covid, etc...? Just a random thought I'd like to get everyone's opinion on.

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

11 minutes ago, amoLucia said:

Horseshoe - people just generally don't seem to recognize various phobias as reality for many of us. Like we make these things up!?!? I am petrified of dogs - like  real 'fight or flight' syndrome phobia. With REAL signs & symptoms. Folk freq don't believe me - so I just tell them I'm seriously 'allergic'. THAT they'll believe.

With all the anti-mask sentiment present these days, I'd bet that many folk think that Emergent is just being creatively inventive to get out of masking. I truly understand esp with the fuller claustrophobic discomfort.

 

 

I get that, and it must be frustrating for those affected to be treated as if they are "faking." But it's actually irrelevant to the point of whether masks should be required for all. An infected claustrophobic is just as much a threat to others (especially vulnerable patients) as someone who just doesn't give a flip. 

The only way we get rid of the masks for good is if we can achieve herd immunity, and that requires more people to be vaccinated than are currently willing to do so. This refusal (and in some instances, medical inability) contributes to the mutations we are seeing, and it could just become a vicious circle. 

I don't have the answer, but I sure feel the frustration and occasional hopelessness about the situation. As long as covid continues to kill the vulnerable (and in some instances, those who did not appear to be vulnerable), I see no complete end to masks on the job for health care workers.

 

 

 

[PollywogNP, ADN, BSN, MSN, LPN, NP]

At my clinic we were discussing getting rid of the PPE room. Until a fully vaccinated couple tested positive. I’m the only person wearing N95 masks for patient visits, with my welders face shield. Gloves & scrub jacket as cover coat. We are still seeing pts in their vehicles if covid symptoms. The break room is now open and those fully vaccinated and working in non patient areas do not have to wear masks. How ever everyone still does, we maintain distances. I’m high risk. This is first Winter I didn’t get even a cold! I usually get the flu (from patients even though I have been wearing simple masks during flu season for many years working as NP in urgent care). I personally will keep wearing masks  while seeing patients or might just wear face shield. Those variants are scary. Just went to a presentation on covid in kids. Frightening!

[DavidFR, BSN, MSN, RN]

Masks still required everywhere in the hospital with FFP3 for all patients, even those who have tested negative.

I personally hope it remains standard practice to wear a mask for all patient care. I am sick of patients who without warning cough in your face when you're hoiking them up the bed. First year I haven't had a work acquired cold, cough or sore throat.

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

I usually get 1-2 terrible viral respiratory illnesses every year. And often, a bad Summer cold.

I haven't been sick since February 2020. I attribute this to mask wearing and social distancing.

[ErinDel, ASN, BSN, RN]

I actually prefer to still wear the masks so we don't have to smell each others breath!

Is that weird????‍♀️

 

[SmilingBluEyes]

6 hours ago, Erindel RN said:

I actually prefer to still wear the masks so we don't have to smell each others breath!

Is that weird????‍♀️

 

Nope.

[OUxPhys, BSN, RN]

I don't see it going away anytime soon. My hospital relaxed it for non-patient care areas but if you are in patient care you are required to wear one. Eye protection is not enforced. 

[DowntheRiver]

I don't see it going away here in Florida anytime soon. Only 42% vaccination rate in my county but 99% of people are not wearing anywhere we go. That 1% is usually me and my husband or family, and we wear them despite being fully vaccinated. I'm 33 weeks pregnant and high risk.