Nursing Trends
What is Covid-19?
Covid-19 is a new virus that originated out of the Middle East. It has been identified as a coronavirus, which is part of the same family as SARS and MERS. At this time, it is unclear how exactly Covid-19 is transmitted between humans. Symptoms of the virus are similar to that of the flu or common cold at first; however, after a few days, it can turn into pneumonia, gastrointestinal problems, and worse.
It is believed that there is a high mortality rate, and those who do survive can be left with permanent disabilities. Many scientists believe that it is likely that the virus originated in bats and was transferred to humans through contact with an infected animal. It has since mutated into a human-to-human transmitted virus.
To prevent the spread of Covid-19, patients are quarantined both at home and in hospitals. In addition, all healthcare workers who contact these patients are required to take an antiviral drug that will hopefully prevent them from contracting the virus themselves.
How does Covid-19 impact nurses?
Nurses can potentially come in contact with patients infected with Covid-19 while caring for them. The virus has been said to be more likely contracted through direct patient contacts such as respiratory secretions, fluids and tissues.
At this time, the exact transmission methods are unknown, and it is unclear how long the virus stays in a patient’s system after they have been infected. Some scientists believe that the virus may be able to stay in a patient’s body for months or even years.
Can nurses work while covid positive?
At this time, there are no CDC, ACIC, Joint Commission on Hospital Accreditation, or other governing body recommendations against nurses working while covid positive for Covid-19.
However, it is important to note that one of the major concerns regarding nurses working while covid positive is exposure to their patients. As such, many hospitals and clinics may limit or restrict nursing staff’s work schedules when a patient with Covid-19 is in care.
What are the risks of working while covid positive?
There have not been any major reports of complications that had resulted from nurses working with patients who were incubating Covid-19 when they contracted the virus.
The risk to a nurse’s health is generally considered negligible. However, some doctors may still advise that nurses take precautions such as wearing protective gear when taking care of patients who are at higher risk of contracting the virus.
What are the benefits of working while covid positive?
There are many benefits of working while covid positive. Working keeps nurses engaged in their profession and allows them to get out of the house. It gives them something to focus on that isn’t their sickness. Nurses also enjoy being around other people, even if they aren’t feeling well enough to go outside the home for social reasons.
Nurses sometimes find it therapeutic to spend time at work. It helps them feel as if they are still contributing and not just lying in bed all day feeling helpless, which is something many sick people struggle with.
Is there a possibility of contracting Covid-19 while working?
Yes. Nurses can contract Covid-19 while working even if they are not directly exposed to the virus via a patient. Airborne transmission of the virus has been documented in some situations, meaning that it may be contracted by inhaling infected secretions or particles. Another form of possible transmission is through skin-to-skin contact with infectious secretions on objects such as surfaces, utensils, and gloves.
How can nurses protect themselves while working while covid positive?
Nurses should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water and put on gloves when caring for a patient infected with Covid-19. When necessary, use appropriate respiratory protection methods, dispose of contaminated materials in the appropriately labeled waste receptacle, and clean environmental surfaces that are potentially contaminated.
Nurses should also be aware of the symptoms of Covid-19 and immediately report any symptoms they experience to their employer or supervisor.
Can nurses work with patients infected with Covid-19?
The fact that there are no current recommendations or guidelines that prohibit nurses from working with patients infected with Covid-19 suggests that nurses can most likely work while covid positive.
As long as a nurse follows proper precautions such as those mentioned above, there is no reason that a nurse should not be able to work while covid positive. Covid-19 is generally a mild disease and, in most cases, clears up on its own in a short period.
Can I catch covid-19 from a nurse?
Unless a nurse is ill with Covid-19 or becomes sick from covid-19 while taking care of you, the chances of you becoming sick with covid-19 are extremely low. The possibility of a nurse contracting Covid-19 from a patient and then passing it on to another individual is even lower because the virus only lasts on environmental surfaces for a short amount of time and is easily killed by commonly available disinfectants.
Is it safe to work while covid positive?
Yes. It is safe to work while covid positive as long as proper precautions are taken such as washing hands, putting on gloves, and covering environmental surfaces that may be contaminated with the virus. Nurses should also report any symptoms they experience, even if they aren’t directly attributable to Covid-19 infection.
What precautions should I take if a nurse is a covid positive?
If you are taking care of a nurse diagnosed with Covid-19, make sure that they understand that it is okay to go to work as long as they follow the proper procedures for protecting themselves and their patients. Until a nursing director or physician makes an official recommendation, nurses are encouraged to continue working as long as they are healthy enough to do so.
What is the prognosis for a Covid-19 patient?
The prognosis is generally very good in most cases of Covid-19. The virus often clears up on its own and does not require treatment or medication of any kind. In some rare cases where Covid-19 has led to more severe symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and diarrhea, patients may remain hospitalized for several days until their condition improves.
