Finger Sticks

[nursingirl2007]

I am a nursing student who is about to graduate and came dangerously close to sticking myself today during a blood draw. I actually pierced my glove but not my skin!!! This really shook me up. Every nurse I talk to has had a dirty stick in their career. This scares me. Do you think it is possible to go through your nursing career without sticking yourself?

[HR1973]

I disagree...when you are not able to reach a sharps container I was taught to recap using one hand (without actually clicking the cap shut d/t JAHCO violation).

Maybe you weren't taught this but I have seen it used by many many nurses with very good results...you are welcome to carry this "uncapped" needle across the room during a code but please not when I'm in the room...thx.

Thank you Larry for your advice, I do the same.... and I hope that everyone who read this copy this...

[HR1973]

Do you think it is possible to go through your nursing career without sticking yourself?

I had work in diferent scenarios and most of the nurses who precept me always was telling me the story of their FIRST stick.....I think that ED is the depatment when you risk the most, but there is always the posibility in any department.

[augigi, CNS]

I"ve stuck myself with a clean needle while drawing up drugs, but never had a dirty needlestick.

I agree there is never a valid reason to recap a needle. It has been shown that this is the cause of many needlesticks - hence the development of needles systems. Not having a sharps container isn't a valid reason - bring one!

[Larry77, RN]

Not having a sharps container isn't a valid reason - bring one!

LOL...room 15 is coding quick grab the sharps container!!!

This is just one of those "style" issues...you guys do it your way, me and my coworkers will do it ours. Maybe some of you should strap a sharps container to your waist right next to your fanny pack :)