Potential for exposure to dangerous things in work setting..

[estakis]

Hi ladies,
I know we have a few folks who work in the healthcare field here, so I thought I would throw this question out there.

I work in a healthcare setting, but I do not do direct patient care.  I'm a counselor that visits with patients in their residences and other settings, so typically I have no hands-on stuff other than maybe a handshake, holding a hand, a hug. There is a risk for me to come into contact with bodily fluids (although perhaps unlikely) since I work with people who are chronically ill (ie I've almost been vomited on, I've unknowingly sat in a seat saturated in urine, ugh).  Some of the patients I work with ongoing have communicable diseases/conditions such has Hepatitis B & C, HIV/AIDS, c-diff.  Since I don't have a medical background, my knowledge on these conditions is probably not as broad as it should be.  So, I guess my question is, what are you doing to reduce exposure to potentially dangerous things in your work setting?  Anybody have feedback for my specific circumstances?  I have a co-worker who is pregnant and she has asked not to be assigned to patients with C-diff.  I could ask for the same, but I am not yet ready to tell my work I'm pregnant due to how early along I am.  I really don't want to risk my health or the health of my baby, but I also don't want to be a paranoid hypochondriac.  Thoughts?

[mdharrisonCPO]

Your work should be able to provide you with any PPE (personal protective equipment) that you need for these visits. Anything like C-Diff I would be wearing a mask, gloves and potentially gown if you are at high risk of coming into contact with bodily fluids. Hepatitis/HIV isn't as much of a concern unless you are coming into contact with their blood. Another thing to consider is anyone who is taking Category 1 medication (things like Chemo drugs etc..) you should not be risking contact with bodily fluids. For example, at work I am not assigned patients who are Cat 1 because I can't come into contact with those medications nor the bodily fluids/the risk isn't worth it.

I'd be keeping a box of gloves and masks (potentially with face shield) in your car for all visits. It's better to be safe. If you're at risk for being exposed to bodily fluids, throw on a mask (or respiratory/airborne illnesses..), otherwise I wouldn't worry too much just practice good hand hygiene.

[katie6202]

I work in a pedi ICU as an RN. I am exposed to a lot of different things. Honestly, my best advice is to educate yourself the best you can, use excellent hand washing skills and proper precautions when indicated. I have had to tell a few co workers to avoid potential harmful situations, and most are very understanding and very accommodating. If you think big picture- plenty of pregnant health care workers deliver healthy babies with very few issues, if any. Just do your best !!

[canadiansciencegeek]

I worked in a biomedical research lab when pregnant with DD. I had to tell my boss super early so I could stop working with any hazardous chemicals (and make sure others didn't do so around me). My boss understood that this wasn't public knowledge, and I think any direct supervisor should be capable of keeping a secret.

[mrsb1008]

Since I work for s large pharmaceutical company taking complaints on the medications I've been much more cautious when I handle the meds. I've been making sure I wear gloves because we do have many that can definitely be harmful. And I've been making sure to read about the meds I handle to know how dangerous they could be.

[mamarn13]

I am an RN on a Telemetry unit and feel it necessary to tell them very early in my pregnancy in order to protect myself. With most illnesses, the proper use of PPE and good hand washing you should be enough to protect you. On my unit, pregnant staff are not allowed to be assigned patients with tuberculosis, meningitis, or chicken pox/shingles. As PP said, educate yourself as best you can and remove yourself from any situation you feel I comfortable with!

[estakis]

Thanks for all the responses! That's really helpful.