What should I do about MRSA in my workplace - I'm pregnant!?

Question

I work in a nursing home. Everyday, I have to lift heavy residents and work with residents who have several types of infections that include staph and MRSA. I also have only been pregnant twice and both pregnancies ended in miscarriage.

I am now nearly 6 wks along and I really want this pregnancy to work out. So here's my question:

Should I ask to not lift heavily for awhile and should I request not to be near those with infections? And should I get a doctor's order to support this? Should I HAVE to get a doctor's order? (I mean, I work with nurses! They should know that a pregnant woman shouldn't be around MRSA!)

Thank you so much!

Answer 1

if you dont have job protection they will likely lay you off till the pregnancy is over.

Answer 2

If you have had a miscarriage in the past stop the lifting now, and stay absolutely away from MRSA. Other infections, double glove and wash hands before and after each patient. Carry that stuff that kills germs without washing and use it throughout the day for when you touch surfaces that may be contaminated.....Yes you work with nurses, but if your nursing home is like most, you are understaffed, so go to the doctor and get a written order, that way they have to honor it whether it is convenient or not....If you really want this child you are gonna have to put your health above everything for nine months....Take really good care of yourself, and I wish you the best of luck and happiness....

Answer 3

i am i CNA in a nursnig home and i am even concerned with getting MRSA without being pregnant! you should probably ask not to lift heavier residents, but since that is done constantly it might be a problem. in the nursing home i work at my boss would not have a problem with me staying away from patients with MRSA or infections, but i dont know what the conditions are hwere you work. it also depends on if you are short staffed. You should probably ask your doctor what the risks are for contracting MRSA or other diseases first, and if he recommends it, then get a doctors order. Wash your hands constantly though because it reduces the risk, although im sure you already know that. Good luck!!!

Answer 4

Wearing PPE and assiduous hand-washing is the best way to avoid transmission as you well know. Even pregnant nurses can work around it provided the proper precautions are taken. Don't let MRSA scare you too much.

But as a CNA with the lifting involved and your med history of SAs, you may wish to avoid this. You didn't say at what point in your pregnancies the SAs occurred but you should go on leave before that time. I think you should talk about this with your OB/Gyn and have her or him make this determination. You will need documentation to support your request for a leave of absence/medical leave.

Answer 5

Other than FULL B.S.I and decontaminating/changing your clothing and showering after each patient, could you decrease your chances of contracting MRSA. As for your baby you may need to take time off from your job with your past medical history. MRSA while hard to treat is treatable. The news made it out a lot worse than it is, really. I retired from EMS and was exposed to all sorts of things including MRSA. I am fine

Answer 6

Yes be very assertive for you and for baby. If the boss doesn't want to give you a break then get doctors orders. You have suffered enough loss! Do what needs to be done to care for you and baby! Best of luck to you both!!

Answer 7

There are Federal rules and you have rights with regards to being pregnant. communicate to your Dr. or perhaps in the experience that your supervisor concurs with you approximately restricting your obligations get the Dr to place in writing out written orders as to what you may and could no longer do. it quite is to your risk-free practices. sturdy success this time around.