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Working around sick people and patients during chemo
by Libra1014 on 11/5/2007 at 7:04 pmin category TreatmentI work with 14 employees, 4 physicians and 80-100 patients per day. Although I have an office, the MD who sees kids has his exam rooms right by me and I pass through the halls and speak to patients (and parents) almost daily. I also have to have closed-door meetings with 3 of the MDs in a small office (none of the windows in our office open). I may be paranoid about germs, but how should I handle this? I can't wear a mask (Oh, goodness...over a wig....YIKES) for 3-4 months. The staff always ends up with colds being passed around as they hand off medical charts, clip boards, and use doorknobs, etc. - either from patients or each other. I know I have to be careful...and when those 3 MDs meet with me after seeing patients all day and we go over paperwork and reports together, I fear they will be passing along all sorts of germs! Am I wrong to be afraid? I just want to prepare...my first treatment is in a week. Thank you and God Bless.
Comments:
Want to leave a comment? Login or Register now!Handwashing is the most important thing in preventing the spread of infection.
Wash your hands after coming in direct contact with patients.
They train us to sing "happy birthday" twice to make sure that we've scrubbed long enough. Sounds elementary, but it works.
Also, when you are meeting with the MD's and go over the reports, just be sure not to touch all of the paperwork...and then touch your face.
I had an infection control practioner tell me that masks will not really protect the patient from the sickness of others, so there is no use in YOU wearing it as a protective agent. However, it is useful if you see someone who is coughing around you. (They probably shouldn't be at work anyway) Kindly ask them to wear the mask; hopefully they will understand.
Most important thing to remember is to wash your hands.
Antibacterial gel is nice, but if you don't get the friction from handwashing...it is less beneficial.
Good Luck with your chemo!This is going to sound silly, but it is so true. Handwashing is the most important thing in preventing the spread of infection. Wash your hands after coming in direct contact with patients. They train us to sing "happy birthday" twice to make sure that we've scrubbed long enough. Sounds elementary, but it works. Also, when you are meeting with the MD's and go over the reports, just be sure not to touch all of the paperwork...and then touch your face. I had an infection control practioner tell me that masks will not really protect the patient from the sickness of others, so there is no use in YOU wearing it as a protective agent. However, it is useful if you see someone who is coughing around you. (They probably shouldn't be at work anyway) Kindly ask them to wear the mask; hopefully they will understand. Most important thing to remember is to wash your hands. Antibacterial gel is nice, but if you don't get the friction from handwashing...it is less beneficial. Good Luck with your chemo!
Good luck with your first treatment. Keep us posted.
Hugs from Michigan
LauraI work in a hospital and while I was going through treatment I kept masks outside of my office I asked anyone if they were not feeling well to please use a mask. I would walk through the hospital and I had no problems. I would also suggest to keep a bottle of antibacterial hand gel on your desk. If you have any drug reps visit ask them if the have any. My reps would bring me in bottles every month. Good luck with your first treatment. Keep us posted. Hugs from Michigan Laura