[VivaLasViejas]

This is going to sound like the dumbest question in the universe coming from an experienced nurse, but my ALF just had its annual corporate (not State) QA survey, and we got written up for not using gloves when giving insulin injections

Now, I've been giving insulin for over a decade, but I was never taught to wear gloves for this---IMs, yes, and fingersticks, definitely, but SQ injections?? Naturally, I've never taught my staff to wear gloves for this purpose either..........so what say you all? Am I nuts for giving insulin without gloves, or is corporate all wet on this one? And how do I form a plan of correction when I think they're full of it? Inquiring minds want to know!

[Drifternurse]

There is no such thing as a dumb question.

For all injections I wear gloves; it's an infection control issue.

[tridil2000]

Originally Posted by mjlrn97

This is going to sound like the dumbest question in the universe coming from an experienced nurse, but my ALF just had its annual corporate (not State) QA survey, and we got written up for not using gloves when giving insulin injections

Now, I've been giving insulin for over a decade, but I was never taught to wear gloves for this---IMs, yes, and fingersticks, definitely, but SQ injections?? Naturally, I've never taught my staff to wear gloves for this purpose either..........so what say you all? Am I nuts for giving insulin without gloves, or is corporate all wet on this one? And how do I form a plan of correction when I think they're full of it? Inquiring minds want to know!

i don't think i've ever worn gloves for either sub q or ims in my 20 years.

maybe in isolation etc. but for all the tetnus shots i've given..... hmm... nope i frequently do not use gloves.

oh, and i've never had a needle stick either (from another thread.)

[truern]

Marla, it wasn't a requirement at our clinical sites, but it WAS for our school. We had to wear gloves for ANY injections, finger sticks, etc. I did notice most of the newer nurses wore gloves as well....maybe because they graduated from my school

[Fiona59]

Always wear gloves and so do my co-workers. You never know what's in that drop of blood....

[Otessa]

I wear gloves for any injections involving needles..............

it has been a policy at every hospital I've worked for.......

[P_RN]

Pretty much anytime you deal with a patient nowdays.

[SharonH, RN]

Marla, I always wear gloves when I give any injections.

[OR2ER]

i don't wear gloves myself..but it was taught in school.There are certain drugs that you need to wear gown and gloves..methotrexate(not sure about the spelling...)

[Gabie Baby]

Wear gloves. Once in a while, SQ's do bleed, like maybe when someone is on Coumadin, or if you just happen to hit a little capillary.

Interesting that you wear them for capillary finger sticks but not for SQ's.

Don't try to correct your bosses unless you want trouble, unless you are really good friends.