What happens when you fail a fit test?

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So I went for my pre-employment physical and I failed the fit test. I tried on 4 different masks and still tasted the liquid sprayed in the mask. Will this be an issue for my orientation? The lady told me it happens to some people and I should be fine I just might not be able to go into airborne isolation rooms. Anyone with the same issues?

It shouldn't be an issue. Where I've worked, you would just be given the PAPR helmet. Another comment said it looked like an astronaut. I always thought they made you look like a Hazmat team member entering a nuclear contaminated site. We have a few people who failed the fit test and they have to wear the helmet.

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Specializes in Surgery.

Not every person can wear an N-95 respirator. The option is to use a Powered Air Purifying Respirator, PAPR. The Occupational Health Nurse should be able to discuss this with you.

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Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.
brillohead said:
Am I crazy for PREFERRING the PAPR helmet/mask?

Not at all. I'm in agreement. It is a little strange to look through the face shield, but, for me, way better than wearing a mask.

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Specializes in Oncology.
AnnieOaklyRN said:
I am going to confess here. I always fail it to, but I lie and say I cannot taste it. I know for a fact I am not the only one.

Annie

I think most people I work with do this. Everyone could probably eventually pass but no one wants to waste time moving around and trying different sized and putting their hair up and such so everyone just instantly says "Yes! Can't taste a thing!"

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Specializes in psych.

I fail it every year too. PAPR for the win!

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blondy2061h said:
I think most people I work with do this. Everyone could probably eventually pass but no one wants to waste time moving around and trying different sized and putting their hair up and such so everyone just instantly says "Yes! Can't taste a thing!"

Interesting. Any idea what TB tastes like?

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Specializes in Practice educator.

I really doubt 90% of the staff I train in fit testing ever put it on properly, its almost worth faking the test just so you don't have to fart about with the helmets.

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It seems like it is semi-common knowledge that people fake this, and that most (or at least many) N95s don't fit.

Any employee health nurses out there know about this?

Is this like a "wink, wink, nod, nod," type of deal where you guys also know all these folks are faking it, or have you been duped?

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Alex_RN said:
Does anyone have any mask fit tips?

If you wear glasses....take them off, put mask on, THEN put glasses back on.

If you have long hair.....pull back in a tight ponytail.

These tips work for me.

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Specializes in Med/Surg/Infection Control/Geriatrics.
freckles23 said:
So I went for my pre-employment physical and I failed the fit test. I tried on 4 different masks and still tasted the liquid sprayed in the mask. Will this be an issue for my orientation? The lady told me it happens to some people and I should be fine I just might not be able to go into airborne isolation rooms. Anyone with the same issues?

Yes. That happened to me as well. Don't worry.

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Specializes in Family practice, emergency.

I know it's a hassle but I prefer the PAPR. Personal fan in an isolation room? Yes, pleeeeeease.

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Specializes in ER.

I much prefer the hood to the N95 mask, but I've never failed a fit test.

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