Having a History of C. difficile Infection and Becoming a Nurse
A history of C. difficile infection does not prevent you from becoming a nurse, but you should follow proper infection control practices to protect yourself and patients.
Understanding C. difficile and Healthcare Workers
C. difficile is a spore-forming, anaerobic bacterium that can cause severe diarrheal illness. While it's a significant healthcare-associated infection, having previously had C. difficile does not disqualify you from nursing:
- Healthcare workers are not routinely screened for C. difficile colonization as part of infection control measures 1
- The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) do not recommend screening healthcare workers for C. difficile gut colonization 1
- Having recovered from C. difficile infection does not pose an inherent risk to patients when proper infection control measures are followed
Important Considerations for Nursing Practice
If you've had C. difficile infection and want to become a nurse, keep these points in mind:
Infection Control Practices
- Proper hand hygiene is crucial, especially since alcohol-based sanitizers don't kill C. difficile spores
- Handwashing with soap and water is the most effective way to remove C. difficile spores from hands 1
- During outbreaks or in high-risk settings, soap and water handwashing is preferred over alcohol-based hand sanitizers 2
Personal Risk Factors
- Healthcare workers with recent antibiotic exposure may have increased susceptibility to C. difficile colonization
- Understand that antibiotic exposure is the primary risk factor for developing C. difficile infection 1
- Be particularly cautious with antibiotic use, as continued antibiotic therapy is associated with increased risk of C. difficile recurrence 1
Workplace Precautions
- Familiarize yourself with contact precautions required for patients with C. difficile
- Use appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves and gowns/disposable aprons) when caring for patients with C. difficile 1
- Be aware that C. difficile carriers should be placed in contact (enteric) precautions 1
Reducing Your Personal Risk
As a nurse with a history of C. difficile:
- Practice antibiotic stewardship - avoid unnecessary antibiotics that could disrupt your gut microbiome 1, 2
- Consider discussing with your healthcare provider about discontinuing proton pump inhibitors if you're taking them, as they may increase C. difficile risk 1, 2
- Be vigilant about using proper personal protective equipment when caring for patients with C. difficile
Professional Implications
Your history of C. difficile may actually benefit your nursing practice:
- Personal experience can enhance your understanding of the infection and its impact on patients
- You may be more vigilant about infection control practices that prevent C. difficile transmission
- Your experience could make you a more empathetic caregiver for patients with this condition
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you experience recurrent diarrhea while working as a nurse:
- Seek prompt medical evaluation
- Be forthcoming about your history of C. difficile infection
- Follow workplace policies regarding illness and return to work
Remember that with proper infection control practices and awareness of risk factors, your history of C. difficile infection should not prevent you from pursuing a successful nursing career.