Basic Safety Error

[April13RN]

Hi Everyone,

I am training at a busy pediatric office and today I made a basic safety error. I feel awful and I knew better. I was giving immunizations to a one year old and the first one was fine, but when I went to give the second one, an SC the child flailed forwards causing the needle to come right out.

Instead of stopping and changing the needle I became flustered and re-stuck the child with the same needle. Both parents were hovering over me the entire time and the mother was not holding the child's arm as securely as I had anticipated. Luckily I have a great preceptor who was watching and was able to step in to help. Then the mother requested that my preceptor complete the rest of the vaccines (rightfully so). It is just such a heartbreaking feeling that sticks with you when you hear a parent request that you stop and and when you know that you knew better.

I started there at the beginning of May but have only been giving vaccines for about 3 weeks. Does anyone have any tips and tricks to help maintain a safe environment and to stay calm while giving multiple vaccines to crying/screaming infants and toddlers.

[merlee]

Don't be too hard on yourself. It takes a lot of time to develop methods and techniques, none of which are perfect.

And as long as the kid was clean, you will be alright. I had patients who reused their insulin syringes, needles and all. And I don't always change my lancets for my fingersticks for 2-3 days.

Best wishes!!!

[AJPV]

The American Diabetes Association states that it is no longer necessary for skin to be cleansed with alcohol prior to SC insulin injections or lancet use on fingertips. As long as the skin is routinely washed and hygiene is reasonable, there is essentially no infection risk from those type of injections. I really wouldn't worry about it. Also, not enough time elapsed between your first & second needle sticks for bacteria to proliferate sufficiently for the needle to have a dangerous infective dose of microbes. The only real risk with your second needle stick was a minutely increased amount of pain due to the needle being dulled ever so slightly upon the first stick.

[jersey_lpn]

I am so sorry to hear what happend *~*~ don't be too hard on yourself *~*~ I am sure you will make a an amazing pediatric nurse *~*~ everything takes time and we all make mistakes, we try not too, but we do. :redbeathe And we feel terribly when they happen. I am glad to hear you have a great preceptor -- I too am fairly new -- trying to find work as an LPN --- I hope you have a better day tomorrow!!! Nurses are God's angels :heartbeat