Would you come in during an epidemic?

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Specializes in Medical Surgical.

Someone said something about coming in to the hospital during an epidemic, and I realized that I probably wouldn't. This shocked me, and made me realize that I seem to have lost my passion for the patient. I know why; it's been drowned out by my despair over customer service and my frustration over the endless "safety" protocols and regulations. How do you feel? Do you still feel that you are actually doing something valuable for patients when you go to work, enough so that you would take a risk like coming in during a serious epidemic? I don't mean just the flu, I mean something that would be life-threatening if you contracted it. For me, ten years ago the answer would have been a definite yes! of course! but not anymore. :cry:

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I gotta say, I agree with you. When I first started in nursing, I was so gung-ho, I'm certain I would have answered yes. Now, not so much. After almost six years, I'm so tired of being treated without respect, and having to cater to needs that are unrelated to the actual care of the patients in the name of "good customer service", that I'm just not sure that I want to put the general public's needs in front of my own/my family's. I feel that my contribution to health care has been very undervalued up to this point (by the public at large, or at least the larger portion of those that I and my co-workers care for)...I guess it's just worn down the samaritan in me, so to speak..wow, that's freakin depressing...:stone

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Specializes in LTC, home health, private care.

Nope. Family and friends first.

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Specializes in PICU/NICU.

OP........... I so admire your honesty!! And after careful thought of your question, I would have to say that, my main concern would be for my family. I have to say that I feel very selfish.........and a little ashamed, but if it came down to my job or my kids--- no contest!!!

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Specializes in Long Term Care.

Oh that is depressing. :cry: That does really bother me. I don't intend to sit here and say I would be the first one there but I would go. YES! I would. I don't know if it is the new nurse that is speaking or what. I have been a CNA or volunteer for the last 20 years, and I still say yes.

And I would go for disaster or STAY for that matter.

Recently we had a scare. BAD storms rolling in threats of tornados what have you. Half the staff saying they would go home if a something happened.

First of all though. It is our policy to stay or come in whatever the situation merits.

I would be there.

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Specializes in Operating Room.

Doen't help that we all know that our workplaces and the government wouldn't be providing us with the proper safety equipment and resources, should we come in to work. I think Katrina showed us all that the government tends not to handle large scale disaster well!:stone

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Specializes in PICU/NICU.

OK SUE7573.... I've stayed through many a blizzard in my career...... the OP is not talking about a weather situation. She said "something that would be life threatening if contracted." Think weapon of mass destruction! Would you go in if you could contract something that could be fatal to you and your family???? Like you would say goodbye, leave for work, and know you might not ever see them again???

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I'm a single person with no children, so I have no family concerns.

As long as my workplace made the situation appealing via double-time pay or large bonuses, I'd show up for an epidemic. I'm happy as long as I'm receiving a paycheck, even though it might be my last. :eek:

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Where do you think all the bosses would be? Probably safe and sound and far away.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Where do you think all the bosses would be? Probably safe and sound and far away.
And the hospital administrator will probably be taking an extended European vacation.
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If it is a question of work or my family, it would be family first so no, I wouldn't though if I was assured they would be safe and when I left I wouldn't carry something back to them, then yes, I would go. I almost wonder if most would say that too, or a large majority which begs the question....what emergency policies ARE in place to cover something like a pandemic which you describe. WOULD there be enough people to help including doctors?

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Specializes in Long Term Care.
OK SUE7573.... I've stayed through many a blizzard in my career...... the OP is not talking about a weather situation. She said "something that would be life threatening if contracted." Think weapon of mass destruction! Would you go in if you could contract something that could be fatal to you and your family???? Like you would say goodbye, leave for work, and know you might not ever see them again???

I would want to say YES but thinking back on MICRO in college and reading the "HOT ZONE".

Honestly I believe I would not go back in. Something like that my family would have to come first.

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