Freaking out over possible needlestick

[Nancy Kay]

I was giving heparin to a very thin woman yesterday. Her arms were unsuitable so I went to abdomen. To her a good amount of skin I of course did a two finger pinch. When I inserted the needle I could feel the needle against my thumb while in the skin. I only felt the sensation of the needle in the tissue and I did not feel a prick, stab, etc. I inspected my glove afterwards and it was intact, no holes. I inspected my skin, no bleeding. I washed my hands and thought I was overreacting. Now it's the next day and I'm going bananas and having anxiety over this, thinking what if I did stick myself but didn't realize it? I never felt a prick or poking sensation, but the feeling of the needle in skin scared me enough. Now I'm doubting myself, thinking maybe it did poke me? When inspecting my skin today I have an area that could be sore on my thumb, but I have a feeling my mind is playing tricks. What do I do? I'm freaking out!?! 

[MelEpiRN]

What are your facility needlestick policies? Is there employee health you can report to? It's OK to go see them. But it sounds like you're fine.

[FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN]

Report the needlestick injury to your supervisor right away. It's very unlikely that you got any blood borne pathogen, but you should report it nonetheless, the same way you did here, and it's important to do it soon.