working while having an immunocompromised family member: Life just became way more complicated

[neil890123]

Hello Guys!

Just want to share and maybe get some suggestions as to what to do right now.

Me and my wife are both nurses. 2 years ago we decided that one of us needs to be an Agency nurse and be more flexible in our schedule so we can take turns taking care of our new baby. I decided to take the route because I am the more experienced and works in the ICU. We were doing great and felt like it was the right choice.

Last year my wife got diagnosed with DLBCL lymphoma stage 4 and has been fighting cancer since November up until now. We were sure we could handle it. Family members flew in from different states to help out while I continue to work as I can while she was not in chemo (she needs to be an Inpatient during chemo for 5-7 days every 21 days).

Now I am in a bind. With the Covid-19 popping up in our state coupled with the current state of my family I am worried about going to work. This would be the first time in my life I am afraid to go to work or coming home for that matter, With her being immunocompromised after chemo, WBC always close to 0 every treatment, I am just afraid I would pass something to her unknowingly.

What's worst too is that I could not get a proper income stream lately. My hospital where I work has been cancelling the agency nurses. ( It's probably due to the fact that they implemented a no visitor policy and I heard patients have been signing out AMA for that reason).

I just wanted to share how this has impacted us and any suggestions would be most welcome.

Stay safe always!

[Wuzzie]

Please contact her oncologist for their recommendation. We are fielding hundreds of calls just like this every day. That's what we're here for.

[sammi2006, ADN, BSN, RN]

I am so sorry that you and your family have to go thru this. This whole situation sucks. Is there anyway that either you or her could stay somewhere else during this time? Or can you take leave for awhile?