Nurse shielding

[lyns62]

Hi. Are there any nurses here that have had to shield

[happytulip]

I was a nurse but had to medically retire due to my condition. But I still have many friends who still work.

2 nurse friends I know are having to shield but have had a very difficult time in getting support from their departments and occi health.

[Eiram50 in reply to happytulip]

Outrageous! This support should be there, without question.

[happytulip in reply to Eiram50]

Unfortunately hospitals are so under resourced that they are running on skeleton staff in some departments during a pandemic.

They are trying to get as many staff to work from home as possible or redeploy others, but in truth many nurses with health problems are at risk and are continuing to work.

Sometimes it's their own choice that is keeping them at work.

[Eiram50 in reply to happytulip]

Absolutely understand that, all of it but no matter what, workers, especially front line workers, should be able to rely on some sort of support from their employer .

[happytulip in reply to Eiram50]

I completely agree. As amazing as the NHS is, it's not always the kindest to its staff.

[Nurseratchette]

Yes I’m sheildong

[sylvi in reply to Nurseratchette]

My hats off to you my dear. I am proud of what you are doing for us all. Thank you.xxxx

[Redrooster]

Yes. I am 63 work 3 days a week as a community nurse and I’m on Leflunomide.

I got letter from GP and sent it to manager. I now work from home.

[bunnycaramel]

Hi I am a retired registered nurse having retired early due to health. I know some nurses are shielding.

[lyns62]

I am shielding due to RA and also have low HB and ferritin ! I'm just wondering what would happen if we are to shield for longer than 12 weeks or until there is a vaccine. I have not contracted covid luckily but worried what will happen work wise if this continues indefinitely. I work within neonatal and maternity

[Leics]

I used to work for NHS in pathology lab but I had to retire on ill health grounds. I can’t say the NHS were supportive of me when I was virtually pushed into retirement at 49. I loved my job but in hindsight it was the right thing for me to do as I was virtually unable to cope with out of control R.A. Anyway back to your question my best friend has a serious heart condition which could basically kill her at any point or she would have to go on the transplant list, she also has the worst kind of MS but she’s been forced into work in the lab or they said she wouldn’t be paid. The only good thing about it is they provide a face mask for her and no one is allowed near her. She’s finding it a little hard but workload is very light compared to normal and says it’s good for her mental health not to be indoors and having to shield.

[MuppetBaby]

I’m not a nurse but am an Audiologist in the NHS I’m not shielding (haven’t received letters to anyway) however according to my trusts OH risk assessment I should work from home as I am on Methotrexate and unable to get to work without using public transport. I was a little surprised at their criteria especially as I have not received anything about shielding. I am grateful for working at home though as I have been flaring for several months so it helps. Like you I do wonder what happens if this goes on well beyond a few more months as my situation is never going to change unless I can get back to cycling 🤷‍♀️

[Bessieboo1]

I’m a registered nurse, I haven’t received a letter so am currently still at work. I’m on Imraldi (biologic), hydroxychloroquine and perindopril for hypertension plus other meds mainly for pain. Was hoping for a letter to keep me safe but not a lot I can do!!

[fidget03]

I am a night nurse at a care home. Taking methotrexate 25mg and adalimumab. Received letter last week but have been self isolating since end of March.