Dirty needle jab

Published

Hi, I work in surgery and we have these packs that don't have anything to put sharps in so at the end of surgery we have to pick up all the sharps and throw it in the sharps container. One day we had a busy day and were running late and had been working over my 8 hours and I grabbed it and I felt a poke I looked down and the needle was out but it went through my glove and did jab me a tiny bit in the skin. Wasn't deep but did bleed. I was embarrassed as I have only been working there since Jan and my boss can get angry easily. I looked at the patients history and she doesn't have anything to worry about. I know its bad but I felt ashamed and stupid so I didn't say anything. Can I just go to my local GP?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER/Tele, Med-Surg, Faculty, Urgent Care.

You need to report this needle stick injury and be seen by employee health so she can draw labs on both you and the patient. There will be documentation to complete and your immediate supervisor needs to be informed ASAP. Do you not use hemostats to pick up the needles?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

just because you didn't read anything alarming for pt hx, that doesn't mean u have nothing to worry about. Report to get assessed appropriately. Let this be a lesson to not rush when dealing with sharps. For you supervisor, i wouldn't care too much. His/her two second of being mad is not more important than your health!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

You really need to follow your facility's policies for needle stick injuries. If you don't, they can deny any coverage should it turn out that you were exposed to something. Remember why universal precautions were developed: to protect the healthcare staff from anything the patient may have, diagnosed or undiagnosed. A history doesn't always reflect the actual picture if a test was never run to confirm a negative diagnosis.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

No, you can't just go to your local GP. Follow your needle stick policy, if it's not too late.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Infusion Nursing, Home Health Infusion.

Everyone is correct you needed to report it immediately per your policy.You can not let your managers reaction or personality dictate whether or not you are going to follow hospital protocol.This protocol is designed to protect you and the facility.What if the patient has Hepatitis and you must take time off from work.You will need to have this on record.It also helps to identify issues with sharps prevention products. Please take care of yourself and your touchy manager can take a hike!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It's a shame to see a nurse who is so concerned about upsetting her boss she's willing to put her health in jeopardy. As others posted, please go see your employee health nurse!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion