A different kind of Nursing injury

[miwachiru123]

So last weekend was our first weekend of clinicals. Saturday we did just orientation, and Sunday we actually started working with patients.

We were stationed at a nursing home near where I live. I was working with a pt. who told me that she wanted Ramen noodles, and she handed me a packet of them. I asked the CNA about this, and she said that it was something that they did for the pt. alot (making the ramen noodles for them). She told me that I could do it for the pt. and it would not be a problem.

I asked my instructor about this and she insisted that I do whatever the CNA instructed me to do.

So, I'm boiling the water for the noodles in the lounge, and I pick up the pot of boiling water to take it to the sink to pour some of the water out. Another student came up behind me and really startled me, and I dropped the pot and all of the water landed on my right arm. I had long sleeve shirt on under my scrubs. I was not quick enough in pulling up my sleeve because I was so freaked out.

Well, I'm running my arm under water for about 15 minutes, because the pain is excrutiating. My instructor told me that I would be fine. After multiple blisters formed, I told my instructor I was leaving and I went to the ER.

Just was wondering what everyone's opinion on this is. I was told by the CNA and my instructor to make the stupid ramen, and now I have SECOND DEGREE burns all up and down my right arm.

[Okami_CCRN, BSN, RN]

You cannot blame the CNA or your instructor it was just an unfortunate event. If anything the other student is at fault.

I hope everything is okay with your arm. Good Luck in NSG school

[Virgo_RN, BSN, RN]

Sounds like an unfortunate accident that could have happened to anyone. Just for safety's sake, maybe next time, try turning off the heat and letting the water cool down a bit before removing the pot from the stove.

Sorry you're hurt!

[casi, ASN, RN]

Sounds like next time you might want to use the microwave.

Making food stuff that includes hot water such as oatmeal, broth, tea, instant coffee etc. Is pretty normal in nursing.

[Virgo_RN, BSN, RN]

Microwave ramen is yucky! Stovetop is the only way to go.

[nyapa, RN]

While this is an unfortunate accident, check and see whether your university has insurance to cover you for this kind of injury? After all, you did what the lecturer told you to do. Now you may have medical costs.

Whatever happens, I hope you heal soon. Burns are not funny. I hope it has not impeded your clinicals, or life outside of training...

Jay

[mauxtav8r]

Just was wondering what everyone's opinion on this is.

Sad for you to go through a burn, but, since you asked for my opinion, I'm thinking maybe you are madder about having to fix someone a snack than about the burn.

I totally respect that you have had an accidental injury. Like with any task, if you are uncomfortable or have never done it before (yes, even if this is heating water on a stove) please ask for help.

Again, I'm hopeful that your burns will heal well and soon.

[TazziRN, RN]

1. Using the microwave can actually be more dangerous when used to boil water. When you move the container and break the surface tension of the water, it can explode and cause facial injuries.

2. I agree that you seem more upset about the task than the painful result. I'm sorry you got burned too, but fixing snacks is a routine part of nursing care, especially in the evenings.

3. Perhaps the burn could have been avoided by having the suggested amount of water so you wouldn't have had to pour any out. Since the cooking instructions tell you how much to use for best taste, I'm confused about why you had to pour any out? Am I being dense?

[vashtee, RN]

Accidents happen. :shrug: No one intentionally burned your arm. The good news is that you will probably be a bit more cautious next time you make ramen.

[Cherise07]

It sounds like an unfortunate accident. The instructor should have told you to go to the ER, however. Any injury at work, even though you may think it isn't serious should be reported in case something happens as a result of it. Good for you for going and getting it taken care of.

I work on a peds unit and a teenage patient had emla cream on to numb the spot prior to IV insertion. She was trying to be helpful and pulled the biocclusive dressing off that was covering the EMLA. The EMLA flew up into my eye! I rinsed my eye out. Although coworkers thought it wasn't anything to report, I went to the ER and they irrigated my eye. I found this to be a rather strange work accident. Better to be safe than sorry!

[I love my cat!]

If you were an employee, you would be covered by the employer because that would be considered a workplace injury. You have a second degree burn!

If you were the Cook in the hospital kitchen and were burned by hot water you would be covered, so I don't know why an employee on the floor who is burned preparing a patients meal/snack would not be. Sure it may be a routine thing for Nurses to prepare snacks but that doesn't excuse an injury! I always tell people to report everything. There could be repercussions later and if there is no record of the incident...forget it! Take YOUR health seriously because nobody else will.

Did you sign any kind of legal paperwork prior to doing clinicals? (We did, that's why I ask).

You may be covered.

Check with the hospital and check with your school.

Sorry about the whole incident and get well soon.

[llg, PhD, RN]

Who pays for an injury that occurs to a student when on a clinical rotation should be covered in teh legal agreement between the school and the facility. I handle the contracts where I work and it clearly states that the school will provide that type of coverage for its students -- and will reimburse the hospital for any emergency treatment provided. I'm sure other contracts say different things, but a good contract will spell out who is responsible for what.

As for the injury itself ... As others have said, it was just an accident. Be more careful next time.