First Contaminated Needlestick

WannabeFlight · Aug 30, 2008

I was trained to never recap a needle by hand, you scoop the cap with the needle off of a surface to get cap back on, completely covering the needle. Then discarding the needle and syringe. Learned that after compliance training when a co-worker was stuck with a needle from a Hep C + patient. Scary Day!!!

I am sorry to hear that happened to you. I have seen everything she had to go through and it definately does not seem fun.

GingerSue · Aug 30, 2008

We are taught that we do not recap the needles,

instead use the scoop method.

The only person who can recap is the person who self-administers.

luvkitties · Aug 30, 2008

I'm sorry this happened to you...although I haven't stuck myself with a contaminated needle, I was exposed to a pt's blood, and it came in contact with an open sore I had on my thumb. Getting tested was definitely scary; I went through the typical emotions one could expect to experience (fear, reliving what happened and how it could have been prevented, feeling stupid)...you may be having some of those feelings now.

Experience is definitely a teacher, and hindsight is always 20/20. I agree with the OP that dirty needles should NEVER be recapped. Does your facility have safety devices on needles; the ones that are activated either manually or automatically after use? If not, this may be a good time to talk to your manager or administrator about obtaining these. As bad as this situation is; you have an opportunity to create something positive from it...possibly protecting yourself, your co-workers and future employees from a similar situation down the road.

Glad to hear that the initial HIV test is negative; wishing you good outcomes on the other tests....try to hang in there! :icon_hug:

Smokey9283 · Aug 30, 2008

I was taught to never recap a dirty needle using any method, under any circumstances. I hope that everything turns out for the best. Good luck.

wlb06 · Aug 30, 2008

I was taught to never recap a dirty needle using any method, under any circumstances. I hope that everything turns out for the best. Good luck.

Yup I just started nursing school about 2 weeks ago and I already know never to re-cap, it was one of the first things I learned that really stuck in my mind!!

RheatherN, ASN, RN, EMT-P · Aug 30, 2008

Sorry to hear that happened. it is a very scary thing. i was working as a phleb at the time and was in an ER situ with a GI bleed. no pressure and such, so i had no where to get blood that i could do at the time (not tons of experience in that situ til then), anyhow, the nurse said "I have it, i can do it, gimmie the needle" well i did, they were safety things that she could close b4 giving it back to me, well, she didnt and with 15 ppl in the little trauma room, she handed it to me NEEDLE first! went right to the bone of my finger. i dropped it, said outloud that i was stuck, and walked out. i was in tears!! last thing of my shift and that happned. needless to say- things were fine and are, but scary as heck.

just go back, do your testing and you will be okay. good to hear about the pt too.

stupid to say, but be careful..not that you will EVER do that again!!

-H-RN

jamato8 · Aug 30, 2008

I scoop but most of the time we have some type of a capping device that doesn't require using the same cap. Otherwise years ago I watched in amusement and then, realizing how effective it was, to put the used needled syringe up in the air with my arm extended straight up and walk to the needle bin. It works great no matter what.

TangoLima · Aug 30, 2008

Do you usually recap dirty needles? Just wondering because this was one of the first thins I learned in NS, and I would NEVER take the chance. I wouldn't even use the scoop method. I'm not trying to be mean, just wondering if this is a regular practice for you, or if you just weren't thinking at the time.

Fortunately, at our facility, our needles have safety devices that are very easy to deploy. It is the first thing I do after withdrawing the needle. That, or I walk straight over to the sharps box even if the needle hasn't been recapped.

I wish you all the best, and hope everything comes back negative (good). :wink2:

Hugs. :redbeathe

bosnanurse · Aug 31, 2008

Ok, I did not recap, I went straight to the container and then got the needle from the container because it was overfull. I know how you feel , I went through all of that and then finally told myself that I can not change anything except have my faith and ask for those containers to be changed when they are 3/4 full!!!!!!! :redlight::argue:I do not even know who was the person I got the needle from . Well, I am sorry . Pray to God, have faith and big mouth to if nothing else change the needle type. Good luck.

LaborNurse5877 · Aug 31, 2008

It happened to me. On a Friday night at 5pm. Of course. I was working in the microbiology lab before I had become a nurse. I didnt find out ANY results until Monday. I was sick all weekend over it. I had been doing an acid fast test for TB. Umm...yeah. Pretty upset. But everything came back fine. That was about 5 years ago now. Don't worry, it happens to all of us. And for everyone that is trying to give you lessons on how to dispose of needles and not recap..blah blah...we are all still human. Crap happens, even when you do everything by the rules. Take care! :)

coolpeach · Aug 31, 2008

This was my first week in nursing school, and on the 1st day of clinical we were told to NEVER recap needles, but to just put them in the sharps bin.

I have often wondered what % of nurses have to deal with this sort of situation (being exposed in some way). It's so scary!!!!

I am glad your HIV was neg, and I will keep my fingers crossed for you that everything turns out well.