My biggest fear

[MelH]

okay aside from the whole nursing shortage (that really scares me, folks!) but my biggest fear in the nursing profession is sticking myself with a needle after I have used it on a patient. I know this is probably one of the smallest things to be afraid of but can someone tell me how often this happens and also some other things I should be concerned with and how to avoid putting my health at risk? Thanks to all!

[deespoohbear]

One of my biggest fears is that some pt or family member will go beserk and pull out a gun and open fire. That scares me more than the potential of a needle stick. I don't recap, dispose of in the nearest sharps bucket, and I warn anyone who may even be in my way that I am coming through with a sharp. Usually clears the path pretty quick. :chuckle

OSHA- I think the initials stand for Occupational and Safety Health Administration. They are the goverment agency that is suppose to monitor safety in American workplaces. This is the agency that is called in after a worker is injuried (or even worse, killed) in a job related accident. If you type in OSHA in a search engine, you will probably be able to find out more than you want to know. :)

[TEXASWAG, MSN, RN]

I accidently stuck myself 5 months after graduating from nursing school. To top it off the patient was from an area with high incidence of AIDS.

I was scared poop-less. Anyway, everything turned ought fine. I learned 2 lessons from this.

1. Slow down when handling needles.

2. Turn the frikin lights on even if the patient's room is slightly dim.

[teeituptom, BSN, RN]

Howdy yall

from deep in the heat of texas

Just slow down and be carefull, same advice I use for a good golf swing