N95 Respirators

We recently had a staff meeting on my floor and were told we all had to be fit tested for N95 respirator masks which are used to TB and possibly the flu if necessary. So, this morning, I filled out the form and went to go be tested.

Well, the directions weren't clear and I was supposed to fax the form to occupational health first and receive a confirmation back before going. One of the other nurses found the occupational health fax number by calling the hospital operator.

After going down to the testing area, I was told to go back and wait for my confirmation. Well, it never came and I asked another nurse if she knew the fax number. She told me a different number! So, I called the operator and asked if she knew where the first number we were told actually went to. She looked it up and told me it was the fax to infectious disease. I then called infectious disease and asked if she had received a fax. Well, turns out that the fax number didn't belong to them either!

I began getting upset and worried because on the form was my name, address, DOB, and social security number! It was out there in the world and I didn't know where it was! So, I called the operator back and asked if she would find out the correct location of the fax machine. She then told me that it was the main fax machine at the psychiatric hospital that is associated with our hospital. So, I called them and figures... it wasn't there either.

At this point I wasn't even sure what to do. I was overwhelmed and scared that my identity was going to be stolen! I decided to call the operator one last time. This time it was a different woman and she was sweet and gave me one last place to try... the other office for occupational health.

After waiting on hold for almost 10 minutes, I got through to the other office of occupational health and the secretary helped me immensely. He checked the fax machine and found our paperwork! He said he would shred it immediately! I was so thankful.

I am now mad at the operators and will most likely not ask them for a phone number again. I can't believe how many wrong locations they told me. I mean, I have never been in their office but how hard could it be to locate the fax machine with that specific number? It isn't even that it was hard, but they kept giving me random locations to call!

Anyway, today was stressful. I am glad my info is safe.