My fear ... is this normal?

Question

I really want to be a nurse when i grow up, but i'm scared of getting AIDS on the job and in life...is this a normal fear?

Answer 1

nah!, you'd have much more chance if you were screwing around.

Answer 2

Most people fear contracting AIDS. Try not to be consumed by this fear or any others. Fear is debilitating and can keep you from realizing your dreams. When you study to become a nurse and as you gain experience in life you will learn the precautions you need to take to keep yourself as safe as possible. Do some reading about AIDS. How it is contracted, how people live with it, what it does to your immune system, medication, chances of getting it if you come in contact with infected blood, etc. Don't let fear control you. Let it be a catalyst for being the best nurse you can be. Good Luck to you!

Answer 3

I'm afraid of getting AIDS, too, but it doesn't affect my life in any negative way (I'm not covering myself in Vaseline and plastic wrap and locking myself in my basement.) I DO take precautions and follow safety rules (like using condoms during sex, discarding needles after phlebotomy, and not horse playing at work). This fear is perfectly normal, and it's this fear that makes me take precautions. Without that fear, people would be much more likely goof off - which could lead to getting sick.
Just remember, there are thousands of nurses out there who never get AIDS or any other disease on the job. Part of this may be due to dumb luck, but I give the majority of the credit to knowing what you're doing and being careful.

If you really want to be a nurse, you should be one. The world needs nurses who know what they're doing and are kind, friendly people. They're one of the most important aspects in health care.

Answer 4

Of course it's a normal fear -- who isn't afraid of a fatal accident? That's why electricians wear rubber gloves. And why nurses (and other medical people, such as laboratory technologists like me) wear rubber gloves when we're going to be touching or handling blood or other body fluids which might carry the contagion. It's a danger and you are right to fear it, but that fear should only encourage you to take proper precautions -- don't let it keep you from your goal.

Answer 5

First of all, what is 'normal'? Second, it's okay to be scared, especially of getting AIDS. It will make you more cautious. I think it's awesome you want to be a nurse though, it's a great job to have. Just think of how much you'll be helping people instead of how you might end up with AIDS. I have an aunt that's been a nurse for 20-ish years and she doesn't have AIDS. You'll be fine if you take all the neccessary precautions.

Answer 6

There are risks associated with all jobs. This one is a more significant one. There are others that will be more pronounced.
Depending on where you work, you may have to move people. This can cause injury if the right equipment and team work is not used. There are established guidelines on how to do this and you only get injured if you dont follow these guidelines.
Another is contracting bacterial infections like SARS, flu, gastroenteritis etc. While it may be a legitimate concern, practicing appropriate precautions will almost completely eliminate them. If you think about what risks you are in, you won't be concentrating on doing the job safely and will be at a higher risk of getting a needle poke/ knife stick etc.

I wish you well with your desire to be a nurse. We need people who are caring and able to do the job!

Answer 7

I think that's a valid fear, nurses have to be very careful with everything their doing and the patients they're working with. You'll be around all sorts of sickness and stuff, just be cautious though and make sure you get some good training.

Answer 8

Yes, your fear is quite normal, giving the times in which we live. Yet, I suggest that you don't abandon your dream. Research the issue. Check with hospitals and see what precautions are taken to protect health care professionals from becoming infected by diseases borne by patients they serve. Check with AIDS professionals, e.g. doctors, nurses, homecare specialists, etc. and learn how they cope with this fear. Finally, gather all the research you can on the virus itself. Learn how it can be transmitted. I believe I read someplace years ago that the virus dies the moment it hits air.
I hope you the best of success as you pursue your dream.

Answer 9

Sometimes a little bit of fear is healthy. As a nurse you should take precautions when dealing with blood. In life you should pick your partners with care. If you got yourself more informed on the subject you would probably feel less scared.

Answer 10

That is a reasonable fear. Needle sticks happen to even the most careful nurse or doctor. And you don't always know if a patient has HIV or AIDS.

Answer 11

It is a very normal fear, but if you take the right precautions that they will teach you in nursing school, everything should be fine. The chances are really slim.