Ebola in my ER

ashmichelle208 · October 2014

So, yesterday at work I had a married couple come in with classic symptoms of Ebola. They have just gotten back from west Africa several days ago from doing mission work...so at this point I was already thinking...oh crap! Then to make matters worse they were placed in the isolation room in my section of the ER that I am working with that day. I told my boss I didn't feel comfortable doing too much because I have children at home and I'm pregnant, and I was catching other nurses agreeing but some were pissed about the situation. Now it's the day after, and my DH is so angry that I took care of these people yesteday. He told me I should have left work and came home!? What would you have done? And idk if I should be worried now!

ladyteach0505 · October 2014

Hmm. I guess the thing is that you can't really control what has already happened. But if it were me I would definitely call my OB. And in general... Wouldn't your hospital have some protocol for you and every employee in contact with them?

ashmichelle208 · October 2014

Yes we had protocol which is currently under investigation. I personally didn't feel like we were protected enough. And they said that there are changes coming very soon. We gowned up and wore proper PPE. But not a hazmat suit like I've seen on TV and we didn't have proper decontamination either. Idk I just feel very sick about it all. I'm going to call my ob today.

TiffW2012 · October 2014

Yikes! Where are you located?

I am in Dallas and a 2nd nurse was just diagnosed this morning.

ashmichelle208 · October 2014

I agree I do, we had two meetings yesterday with the staff who were in contact with these patients yesterday and it was not so clear as to what was safe or not. I know that the CDC says hazmat isn't required and we used the proper CDC required PPE yesterday but for some reason I feel very uneasy because I had skin exposed. I don't care what the CDC says right now a health official came in for the meeting and said things are still under heavy investigation right now. Especially since the nurses in Dallas are becoming infected.

MrsLolaSky · October 2014

It is scary! I'm glad you're talking to your OB.

FWIW, be careful when removing gear--not just when being around the patients. I think they're investigating whether the Dallas nurses might have come into contact with the virus when removing protective gear (probably because that seems like what happened in the case of the Spanish nurse that got sick). I'll keep you--and all other health care workers--in my prayers!

ashmichelle208 · October 2014

I've read all the CDC infomation we had a packet given to us yesterday at the meeting it was 28 pages long about everything Ebola and all the safety regulations put in place for health care workers. I just really don't feel safe after they were saying it's still under investigation that's all. I understand what Ebola is and everything but it's hard to be calm after caring for patients

gsancho · October 2014

I would talk to your OB. It's hard to say, because I don't know your work situation and I don't know how much say you could have in the matter. But I know here in Dallas, the hospital just announced that they are sending home a lot of workers and medical students b/c they are worried about breaches in protocol, even if they don't work in the areas where infected patients are.

ashmichelle208 · October 2014

Wow. That's insane. Yeah my DH and family told me I need to call my manager and explain that I will not be back into work until they have the proper equipment and emergency plan put into place. Because right now they don't have a good plan to keep the other patients in the ER safe or the staff. It's all a "learning process" but not one I want to be apart of

Pintobean39 · October 2014

Have they been DX with Ebola yet? The only reason I ask is they had someone close to where I live last week who said they thought they had Ebola and had just come back on missionary work. They hospital went through the protocol by isolating them and followed the guidelines set from the CDC on handling the patient. Even blocked off their home. Come to find out they had a virus and had never even left the country. They said this isn't the first case of a false scare happening. It's going to happen a lot.

Not saying that what happened, just saying until it's confirmed Ebola try to relax the best way you can.

ashmichelle208 · October 2014

They were coming from ginuea and that is one of the several affected areas according to the CDC. I understand they are doing what they can to figure this out but it's just scary that's all. I just feel scared. I know that knowledge is power and that I should feel better knowing that they are working on better protection but after hearing about these nurses in Dallas it's hard!

ashmichelle208 · October 2014

Hearing about these things happening and actually being one of the nurses dealing with these patients changes things big time. I was not nearly this scared a few days ago..

ashmichelle208 · October 2014

That's crazy! I can't believe they didn't even leave the country! But yes, they are health care workers and they were very educated people who we took very seriously. The case is not confirmed at this time. I work tomorrow and before work I have a meeting about these particular cases and hopefully they are not a positive one.

ashmichelle208 · October 2014

And I am on my iPhone using the bump, so sorry about any spelling errors!

djm31012 · October 2014

I would be nervous too so I get where you are coming from. I actually probably wouldnt go back to work until after this was done and dusted. No job/money is worth compromosing health for.

caitieanna · October 2014

@ashmichelle208‌ I probably would've done the same as you... you were honest and up front about how you felt with that situation. Yes I'm sure many nurses have children but you are pregnant, and this is a very serious illness. Follow your gut, if you feel the ppe provided by your hospital isn't going to keep you and your baby properly protected, then address the issue and stay safe. I know what it's like to not feel protected working in a hospital and it's scary. I'm not working right now, but do what's best for you and keep you healthy.

gsancho · October 2014

I totally understand where you are coming from. I was the most rational person, calmly explaining to people that you need to be in direct contact with bodily fluids to get it, that it's not easy to contract, the flu is in a way a more serious problem (which it still is), etc....then I found out the first nurse to be diagnosed lived 5 blocks from me, and all my logic went out the window as I got very paranoid. Even with all the facts presented in front of you, it is natural to still worry.

If they haven't been tested for it yet, there could be a good reason for it, and it could be a good sign. But if there's any way you can have a say on your schedule or area where you work, it's worth speaking up, at least for your peace of mind.

nykkybaby · October 2014

As more and more nurses become sick I begin to believe there is no breach in protocol. I think there is still a lack if knowledge as to what a safe protocol should be. If I were you OP I'd have a really hard time going back. It DOES NOT seem like the CDC has it's shit together.

chetasu · October 2014

@ashmichelle208 even with all of the information out there, I'd still be freaking out. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family and I hope everything turns out well.

I was reading this morning about the doctors that were brought back from Africa to be treated and they all went to a hospital in Emory which is apparently the only one prepared for this kind of thing. Does anyone know why the new confirmed cases aren't being transferred to Emory? It seems like the logical thing to do and if three people could be transferred all the way from the other side of the world, I don't see why they can't be transferred from Texas.

ashmichelle208 · October 2014

@nykkybaby‌ AGREED 100%

Ballet80 · October 2014

I would have just played sick and left. You need to take care of you and the baby!!

Pintobean39 · October 2014

nykkybaby said:

As more and more nurses become sick I begin to believe there is no breach in protocol. I think there is still a lack if knowledge as to what a safe protocol should be. If I were you OP I'd have a really hard time going back. It DOES NOT seem like the CDC has it's shit together.

Only 2 nurses have gotten sick out of a ton of people that took care of the patient in Dallas and the 4 other patients prior to this with 0% transmission rate. I don't think it's because the CDC doesn't have their shit together, their was a screw up at the Dallas hospital. Ebola isn't something they just discovered last month.

rivers714 · October 2014

I had an
Active tb patient Sunday ... Ppe and a n95 mask... I feel ya with feeling freaked out

ashmichelle208 · October 2014

Yes two nurses are the only ones who are tested positive at this time but they said this afternoon that they are thinking about at least a dozen more to become infected within time. It's scary very scary, and in the hospitals right now they need to be taking extreme measures instead of being so relaxed about the situation (in my case) we need to be over protecting our patients and our health care workers as well as the general public. This is no joke and a huge threat to the population. As research grows I think more people will realize that this is something everyone needs to be concerned about

sunnymommyo2 · October 2014

Wow. Keeping you in my thoughts. Thank you for your choice to care for others

hopefully this all passes.

LO95 · October 2014

I'm having a hard time teaching with kids and sickness right now given my high anxiety. I could never be a nurse. What state do you all live in?! This crap freaks me out so much. I just read that the latest nurse was in Ohio (where I live of course) before she went back to Texas and told them she had a fever.

marijaa333 · October 2014

Would you be interested in speaking to CNN on the condition of full anonymity? If so, please PM me. Someone needs to start ringing more bells about protocols.

marijaa333 · October 2014

Also, THANK YOU for what you do.

Sharon&Paul · October 2014

I too work in medicine. We were just discussing today how unprepared we are. We have not been given protocol or trained in such an exposure. I really hope these hospital get themselves in gear and start protecting their staff. Currently there is no screening of our patients until we have had full contact with them.

daiseyc123 · October 2014

I hope for you and the patients involved that they've merely picked up a stomach bug of some sort, not Ebola and you can put this fear behind you ASAP. In the meantime, do what feels right to you and avoid unnecessary risks/ situations that don't make you feel safe.

putput19 · October 2014

Hope you are okay and that they get a safe protocol in place soon that you feel comfortable with! Mama instincts are strong and important to listen to, I would want to protect my babe too!

LolaCachia · October 2014

So after you expressed your concerns, were you still made to care for these patients? I'm fuzzy on that part of your story. If yes, then I wouldn't be going back until things were sorted out. If no, then I would still probably be hesitant.

mh238911 · October 2014

We have a woman who came into our ER today who was in a similar situation. I'm thankful that it was after I had clocked out, but I'm sure I'll end up in contact with her somehow since I float. She's in quarantine right now obviously, but it's still scary.

CoPilot2012 · October 2014

As someone who has kicked that awesome super bugs ass (the kind that resistant to antibiotics), I'll tell you I don't panic. I'm logical and honest.

But DH works for an Air Ambulance company, and if they get contracted/mandated to transport these patients, I can tell you those planes are not properly equipped for that. (Only one air ambulance company out of Pheonix is transporting right now). I would make DH quit. Flat out. Day to day is what it is, but I would not take elevated risk.

You nurses and all in the medical field are brave and I commend you. I hope you stay safe and healthy.

cjsweet79 · October 2014

Nurses are in a tough situation right now (really any healthcare worker in direct contact). I don't know what the right thing is but I am praying for your safety. Go with your gut. I don't know if you can refuse to care for a patient (can you do that?) but I would think you and your coworkers can/should advocate for your safety. Keep us posted.

ashmichelle208 · October 2014

Thanks for all the great feedback ladies! So to clarify we are not really allowed to refuse to care for a patient which is why I did give care to this couple yesterday. I voiced my concern before during and after to my manager who was very understanding of the matter. Right now they are still under investigation for Ebola and I will be informed as things progress. To be completely honest I am scared SHITLESS. I am very informed about everything Ebola and how the virus works but it doesn't ease my pain and concern about the PPE we were given and also we didn't get any proper decontamination afterwards. I talked to my manager tonight and told him I will not be coming back into work until further notice, I was suppose to attend a meeting in the morning regarding the case of this couple but I told him to call or email me the information if possible. Right now all healthcare workers involved in this particular case are being investagated ( including myself) so I'm having a hard time with things. I am not only pregnant but I have three young children and a husband at home with me. Prayers are appreciated for everyone involved and all healthcare workers who have to care for these patients!

LolaCachia · October 2014

Obviously the hospital cannot refuse care of a patient, but why couldn't you personally excuse yourself and let someone else step in?

ashmichelle208 · October 2014

The patients were placed in a isolation room in my section of the ER, which is why I was the one to take care of them. It was a hard situation because no one really wanted to be the one to take care of the patients. My manager told me since they were mine that I would at least have to go in and do my assessment and then let the doctor go in afterwards. I didn't do much patient care after that. I did my assessment and initial vital signs and then my manager and another nurse finished up the case by collecting the specimens and doing general pt care.

nykkybaby · October 2014

To me a big part of the problem is that the CDC is not new to Ebola, yet there are still people being infected. I know it's only two nurses today, but tomorrow there may be more. It seems many of the PPs in healthcare do not feel they have been trained to safety handle patients. I do not like this "wait and see, we'll handle it as it happens attitude". If the CDC is so prepared and has been dealing with the threat of an outbreak in their research, am I ignorant in believing we should have trained professionals on call and a vaccine ready to go?

Eta: my phone ate caps

Pumpkin_Princess · October 2014

Scary! I hope that it's a false alarm

mamajama3 · October 2014

How scary! Good for you for being honest and standing up for yourself. It's easy for people to say Ebola is not a big deal and that it takes certain specific things to happen for it to spread, but not many weeks ago we said it won't come to the U.S., and here it is with three confirmed cases now (with, unfortunately, likely more to come). Who knows if it has or will become airborne? Viruses can mutate (i.e. HIV). I prefer that we err on the side of caution and be better safe than sorry- and I totally agree that the CDC has made mistakes and needs to get it together. Does anyone else wory about a possible national spread of Ebola while we are pregnant? It scares me to think about this and it honestly makes me nervous about traveling and visiting hospitals.

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Ebola in my ER

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Me 33, DH 37 -- TTC since Jan'12 -- Low AMH (0.78) & endo, SA w/ low motility
IUI's 1-3 = BFN, IVF converted to IUI 4/13 = BFN
IVF 1.2: 8R 6M 4F -- 2 blastocysts frozen, FET 8/15 = BFP!!
Beta #s = 445;1,098; 9,545 -- EDD 5/2 -- Team Pink!

Me 33, DH 37 -- TTC since Jan'12 -- Low AMH (0.78) & endo, SA w/ low motility
IUI's 1-3 = BFN, IVF converted to IUI 4/13 = BFN
IVF 1.2: 8R 6M 4F -- 2 blastocysts frozen, FET 8/15 = BFP!!
Beta #s = 445;1,098; 9,545 -- EDD 5/2 -- Team Pink!

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Want a personalized experience?

Ebola in my ER

Re: Ebola in my ER

Me 33, DH 37 -- TTC since Jan'12 -- Low AMH (0.78) & endo, SA w/ low motilityIUI's 1-3 = BFN, IVF converted to IUI 4/13 = BFNIVF 1.2: 8R 6M 4F -- 2 blastocysts frozen, FET 8/15 = BFP!!Beta #s = 445;1,098; 9,545 -- EDD 5/2 -- Team Pink!

Me 33, DH 37 -- TTC since Jan'12 -- Low AMH (0.78) & endo, SA w/ low motilityIUI's 1-3 = BFN, IVF converted to IUI 4/13 = BFNIVF 1.2: 8R 6M 4F -- 2 blastocysts frozen, FET 8/15 = BFP!!Beta #s = 445;1,098; 9,545 -- EDD 5/2 -- Team Pink!

Choose Another Board

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Me 33, DH 37 -- TTC since Jan'12 -- Low AMH (0.78) & endo, SA w/ low motility
IUI's 1-3 = BFN, IVF converted to IUI 4/13 = BFN
IVF 1.2: 8R 6M 4F -- 2 blastocysts frozen, FET 8/15 = BFP!!
Beta #s = 445;1,098; 9,545 -- EDD 5/2 -- Team Pink!

Me 33, DH 37 -- TTC since Jan'12 -- Low AMH (0.78) & endo, SA w/ low motility
IUI's 1-3 = BFN, IVF converted to IUI 4/13 = BFN
IVF 1.2: 8R 6M 4F -- 2 blastocysts frozen, FET 8/15 = BFP!!
Beta #s = 445;1,098; 9,545 -- EDD 5/2 -- Team Pink!