Anyone work in healthcare?

Doctor, nurse, etc?

If so, do you worry about your immune system, being around sick people and whatnot, especially those with what would be considered, I guess, fairly contagious elements?

Also, in regards to vaccinations (though, I feel like this would only apply to those who've been newly hired, unless they require people to get each new vaccination), with all the worry about what's being put into them, the effects those substances have on people, have you gotten any of them recently? How did they affect you, being that, I'm assuming, again, your immune systems are compromised by Lyme/co?

I'm at a point in my life where, while I'm not ready to be working, focusing on my future in that regard, I've been forced to, due to a lot of things - the fact that I need more to treat, familial issues, and whatnot. It's work, or die (well, live sick, til I can't anymore).

That said, I'd always wanted to be a writer, but that's not really looking like much of a route for me, these days. It's just not in me anymore, that voice.
Other than that, there's really nothing else that I can see myself doing, and halfway enjoying, apart from something in the healthcare sector. I'm not exactly looking to become a doctor, researcher, anything like that, but something, eventually. I'd be satisfied with an entry - mid level job.

Though I said that I NEED to be worrying about work, it's not really something I need to be thinking about just yet - going to school, all that, but, all the same, I'd like to get a few thoughts gathered on it.

I have another job at the moment anyway. It's not where I want to be a year from now though.

While I'd like to be in a better spot physically and mentally first, gotta at least give it a try.

Hope to see at least a couple responses.

Cya later.

edit: also, I realize that steps are taken to minimize the risk of exposure, by healthcare people, from the top to the bottom, but.. being in our condition, I just question whether or not it's a bigger deal. I dunno. Thanks for the help, if you've got any to offer.

Post Edited (Antonio192X) : 8/10/2015 6:23:27 AM (GMT-6)

My husband and I work in the Health care field - both for our Provincial Health Authority.

I am not with patients - I work at the hospital (or used to - not for two years now)...in the scheduling department, but we are somewhat pressured to get the vaccinations. I have refused.

My husband works with Mental Health and Substance Use out in the community. He was told he had to get the flu shot...or wear a mask everytime he went to see a client.
Recently we have heard that it's against the employees' right to privacy to ask if they've had the shot...so he is definitely reconsidering for next year.

Also, after he had the shot, he read that it was pretty much useless this year anyway...so all for nothing!

My husband has recently tested positive for lyme...so definitely doesn't need a shot to his immune system (literally)

Exactly, Greg, that's my point - who knows what the heck they put in them? I mean, I remember certain vaccines making me feel under the weather, before I got sick, so I really worry about what some, all, of them would do to me now. I've been doing some reading, and a couple of places and positions seemed to only be requiring standard vaccinations, which, I'm guessing, would be things like tetanus and all that, which I had, a few years ago, and HEP B vaccine. I'm sure they'd be pestering people to get their flu shots, come the season for it, though.

As for the blood stuff, man, that sucks. I mean, you didn't really know what you were dealing with, so it's not entirely your fault. It is, but it isn't, you know? Sigh. Sorry you've got to deal with that weight, on top of all the rest. I would say that hopefully all the stuff died, when they froze your blood or whatever, though, knowing how resistant this crap can be, who knows? ;(

Hm, Girlie? I feel like something like that would be easier, at least on the body, and in terms of the immune system worries. I'd really like to be with the patients though. Anyway, the vaccines, hopefully I'd be able to refuse, or rather just smile and nod, not get them, and go without too much pressure from management beyond that. The legality of it, well, they seem to require a certain level of vaccination history here for someone to be hired. I don't know what/how that'd change after the fact. Maybe that just applies to the mental health area?

That's terrible about your husband, by the way. Makes me sad, all of our problems. Big sigh.

IHL, I'm sure they do, yeah. I wouldn't mind doing stuff like that either. A lot more laid back, and, yes, personal - more attached, and without too much of the pressures of feeling like you're in a "workplace," I guess. Safer too - well, actually, that'd kind of depend on the patient and their needs. Still, that'd be alright.

But, hm. Honestly, either way, if I make it to that point, I guess I'll have to go through with whatever it takes to get in, so it's no use being all scared about it. A little, sure. But, yeah, if it's gonna happen, it's gonna happen.

We'll see.

Thanks for coming by though, guys, really. Sorry I'm not around more myself. It's hard, lately. Plus, I don't really like talking much on here, when I'm not in a good place. I got a lot of negativity, and, yeah, that kind of bleeds through into my comments, even when I'm trying to help somebody. Hope that changes, someday.

Hope it gets better, for all.

I am a Registered Nurse and since I now take 3 antibiotics for BB, I likely will not work starting in the fall. I cannot get the flu shot anymore as I learned I have a severe allergies to eggs. And many other foods. But, I work with patients and my LLMD does not even want me to be working on a per diem basis due to my compromised immune system and my unpredictable, severe pain. I love my career but unfortunately I think using the antibiotics really opens me up to opportunistic infections like Clostridium Dificile, which is common in many hospitals. We have to care for ourselves before we can effectively care for others.

Good luck on your journey to pursue your dream career! It really is a great field. So many opportunities to help people. And it is really wonderful that we get to continue growing with new knowledge every day we work.