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scenario:
h5n1 (the bird flu) mutates to become efficient at transmitting human to human causing a pandemic, with a case fatality rate of 60% and with 80% of the cases in the 0-40 year old age range.
hospitals will be quickly overrun. hospital staff shortages are 50%. the government orders all nurses to work. there is not enough personal protection equipment (n95 masks, gloves, goggles, tamiflu, vax, etc)
home quarantines become common (in the fed plans).
your family is also quarantined in your home. you are running out of food and the government promises you will be "taken care of" if you report to work.
However if I had children under 18, or caring for elderly or sick relatives, I would at home with them, there would be no way I would neglect my family on a government mandate.
Do you remember New Orleans... The Govt said they would take care of their needs also.......Seems to me that they don't often keep their word...Would I work during a pandemic......."DON'T THINK SO"!!!!!!
I do little thqt this govt. wants me to do and would not do anything they ordered but I would surely help in a privae capacity. The govt. can kiss my butt.
I would most certainly work in a Pandemic. I was not licensed in LA when Katrina hit, but I sure would of helped. I would of been there with bells on to help those who the FIRST RESPONDERS LEFT TO FEND FOR THEMSELVES OR PERISH..
I am so glad that this country has brave,concerned citizens like you.But aside from beingvery frightened by the prospect, I have a deep mistrust of most things told to us by the govt. I love the people of our country and I would do what I could to help my neighbor but I'm afraid that I would be very suspicious of anything the officials would tell me. I pray that we never have to make that decision. But also as a Mother ,my children would come first
yes, I would work. Having no children at home now makes a definite difference. I would go to care for anyone affected ,especially children. I eould go so that others with children won't have to.
No PPE ? we will become sick and who will help us? If we had PPE perhaps I would go in, however don't tell me I'll have PPE and when I get there, and then there is none and I'm expected to stay. Who do you trust at a time like this? The government? The hospital? ya right! Better be careful. Can't take care of sickies if you are sick.
Do you remember New Orleans... The Govt said they would take care of their needs also.......Seems to me that they don't often keep their word...Would I work during a pandemic......."DON'T THINK SO"!!!!!!
No kidding...I think Katrina opened a lot of eyes as to how incompetent the government can be in a situation like this. It was downright embarrassing.
I admit it, I'm sure people think it's selfish, but too bad. I don't seem to remember signing on to offer my life for other people. I'll be home taking care of close family and friends. I'm quite sure that's where a good proportion of the medical field and probably all of administration wil be doing.
Running out of food is NOT a concern for me. I just rec'd another year's worth today, as a matter of fact. My UPS driver didn't even seem too annoyed to be hauling in an 800 lb shipment. I've taken care to prepare myself sufficiently for just about any eventuality (from Alien invasion to Zombie apocalypse, lol) and have encouraged others to do the same.
I do not need the government for anything--except to stay out of my way and let me live my life. I will never do anything merely because they order me to or promise to do something for me in exchange--governments darn near always lie.
Depending upon the situation (e.g. roads open, limited risk of random violence), I might continue to work my scheduled (home care) shifts. I would NOT go work in a facility in which I have no experience, no confidence, nor orientation to basically die r/t lack of PPE. If the mortality rate were lower and there were adequate PPE I'd be much more inclined to VOLUNTEER to help people.
I chose nursing as a career in order to provide care to people, but I have to protect myself first. Going in without adequate PPE and becoming a casualty myself would not accomplish anything. In the above scenario, I most likely would fall back to my retreat and be prepared to live there for a year or two until the pandemic burns itself out. At the very least, I would isolate myself inside my home, not leaving unless absolutely necessary.
RedZeppelinRN
248 Posts
What is PPE?