worried

LilyBlue · Feb 17, 2009

Droplet would have been necessary if it was in his sputum; airborne would not be necessary with MRSA.

Regardless, you are going to be exposed to MRSA time and time and time again, including in public; practice good hand washing and try to keep healthy through enough sleep, excercise and good nutrition; that's all you can do.

leslie :-D · Feb 17, 2009

if the mrsa was in his sputum and he's coughing, then wearing a mask would be very wise.

if there is blood in his sputum and he's coughing, wear a mask.

but in the absence of above, i'm thinking it's not a big deal.

many of the items we wear or don't wear, are often discretionary.

i'm sure you're a-ok.:)

leslie

Madchild · Feb 17, 2009

The patient was non-verbal and immobile---and I didn't notice any blood on his secretions--and when i asked the nurse about the MRSA, she said it was in his blood, i think she would have mentioned if it was in his sputum....

As for the handwashing...i'm about this close to sloughing off my skin since i took microbiology, even more since I stared clinicals last semester--- :rolleyes:

tigger2sassy1 · Feb 17, 2009

the previous posters are correct just my 2 cents protect yourself use common sense take care u are ok

KyPinkRN · Feb 17, 2009

The patient was non-verbal and immobile---and I didn't notice any blood on his secretions--and when i asked the nurse about the MRSA, she said it was in his blood, i think she would have mentioned if it was in his sputum....
As for the handwashing...i'm about this close to sloughing off my skin since i took microbiology, even more since I stared clinicals last semester---

I got the heeby-jeebies from micro too... it eventually passes. I agree with the other posters, you should be fine as long as you wash your hands. Find a good lotion now, because you are going to need it when you start working as a nurse.

Madchild · Feb 17, 2009

I got the heeby-jeebies from micro too... it eventually passes. I agree with the other posters, you should be fine as long as you wash your hands. Find a good lotion now, because you are going to need it when you start working as a nurse.

do you recommend any lotions??---i was told in nursing school to avoid ones that are greasy--but there aren't that many out there.

KyPinkRN · Feb 17, 2009

do you recommend any lotions??---i was told in nursing school to avoid ones that are greasy--but there aren't that many out there.

Corn huskers is oil-free and a good lotion to use while working... I have actually started to use A&D ointment at night while I am sleeping. Its greasy so you'll have to wear gloves but it works.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Feb 17, 2009

You have observed a serious issue with healthcare providers - those that KNOW to wear PPE but are not doing it. I would certainly excuse a student, but not the regular nurse or MD. They will go into another room and carry the germ from patient to patient, or even home with them. Laziness IMHO. As for your situation, a lot of people test positive for MRSA anyway, but we are not symptomatic due to intact immune systems. I say use this experience and learn from it. No matter what others do, you are responsible for doing the right thing.

pbajil · Feb 18, 2009

You might have MRSA, and I probably do too. Many hospital workers, if tested, would be positive for MRSA, VRE, you name it.