Anxiety about diseases

[ka2rn]

Does anyone ever get paranoid about catching terrible diseases at work? I have a terrible fear of hiv and hepatitis c. Over the summer, I started an iv on an HIV+ patient and have been so paranoid that I touched something. I know I possibly touched the tegaderm label that had dried blood on it. Next evening I was vomiting and then the next week I had a slight sore throat and genreal malaise that lasted a week or 2. No fevers. I was tested about 2 months later after a possible needlestick from a hep c + patient and was negative. The hep c patient I attempted several times to get an iv on didn't feel a stick but after I left the room noticed a small pink bump on my palm that looked almost like a pinprick. Then maybe 4 weeks later I started haVing RUQ pain on and off and I'm just scared. I have suffered depression because of all this and thinking about getting out of direct patient care. Thoughts? Has anyone else ever gone through this?

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

You are being paranoid. You can't get HIV from dried blood on a tegaderm. You are far more likely to catch something like the flu or Norovirus from a patient than you are HIV or Hep C.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Perhaps it may help to read up on transmission of HIV and Hep C. For example:

HIV does not survive long outside the human body (such as on surfaces), and it cannot reproduce.

and

The risk of health care workers being exposed to HIV on the job (occupational exposure) is very low, especially if they use protective practices and personal protective equipment to prevent HIV and other blood-borne infections. For health care workers on the job, the main risk of HIV transmission is through accidental injuries from needles and other sharp instruments that may be contaminated with the virus; however, even this risk is small. Scientists estimate that the risk of HIV infection from being stuck with a needle used on an HIV-infected person is less than 1%.

From CDC HIV Transmission- HIV Basics:

http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/transmission.html

And specific to healthcare workers: CDC - Occupational Exposure - Other Risks - Risk - HIV/AIDS

Healthcare worker specific to Hep C: CDC DVH - HCV FAQs for Health Professionals

Blood borne diseases really aren't a nurses greatest risks even though the risk isn't zero. However, being so paranoid about it that you are depressed and considering leaving direct patient care isn't necessarily healthy. Perhaps you should speak with your healthcare provider, both for followup on the testing and to discuss your depression/anxiety.

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

I understand being concerned. You are beyond that point. Acute care can be scary. I would start with talking to a mental health provider before you leave acute care. I wish you the best of luck with this. Anxiety can get the best of us sometimes.

[ka2rn]

How likely do you think you could stick yourself with an iv needle and not feel it?

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

You need to seek help from a mental health care professional. This is not a normal or healthy level of concern. There may be hope for you through medication or therapy if you otherwise like direct patient care.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

How likely do you think you could stick yourself with an iv needle and not feel it?

I think you got quite a few good answers in your other thread about that exact situation: https://allnurses.com/nursing-issues-patient/have-any-you-946632.html#post8109098

[pinkiepieRN]

How likely do you think you could stick yourself with an iv needle and not feel it?

Not to be rude, but I would think that most needle-sticks hurt because needles are pointy. I think if you stick yourself with a needle and don't feel it, there's something wrong with you more than I think it a likely situation to be stuck without feeling it.

[ka2rn]

I'm sorry. I just have been thinking about it constantly and I know I am depressed. I was just hoping to get some support from other nurses about it.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

How likely do you think you could stick yourself with an iv needle and not feel it?

Never....you need to seek assistance with these fears. Have you ever been diagnosed with OCD? It is good to be cautious but to never cease worrying or being physically sick you might want to consider assistance with these thoughts.

I have been a nurse for 35 years and in a time when we really didn't use gloves. The only thing I ever really GOT from a patient...scabies.

[AJJKRN]

ESME12, sometimes you (and many others as well) make me snort when I'm laughing while reading posts! To the OP, I wasn't laughing at your post, I would talk to someone because this seems be a disabling fear for you, but I can't help but laugh at some of the genuine answers you have received so far. And yes, needle sticks hurt...if it happens, you'll know and it will probably bleed...mine did anyways!

[ka2rn]

I know. I have had 2 needlesticks and felt them. That spot on my hand was just odd.