Can a nurse catche herpes from a patient?

Rare in modern era: Herpes once was a fairly common occupational risk among health care providers, usually involving a finger (herpes whitlow) from contact with patients' oral areas. It was especially common in dental health workers. It has become rare in past 30 years with routine gloves for patient contact with body fluids, cavities, etc. If you follow proper body substance precautions, you won't be at risk.