First needlestick :( :(

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in Tele, ED/Pediatrics, CCU/MICU.

I'm disappointed in myself.... I know better.

I was starting an IV with a #22 gauge angiocath, failed (never got a flash), and pulled out the angio and put it on the table- no blood on it. Catheter was never advanced, thus safety mechanism was never engaged.

Started IV with a #20, pulled out sharp, safety device activated, placed on table.

Cleaning up, leaving the room....

Picked up the #22 in my right hand, the sharp from the #20 (safety device engaged), and bumped my right hand into my left and stuck my middle finger through my glove. Took off the glove, saw blood...

washed, squeezed, washed again, lots of soap.

Filled out incident report, had hep and HIV labs drawn, got Pts consent to have HIV lab drawn.

Pt has a negative history for either disease and is a low probability...

but still..

:(

Insight?

Stories?

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I'm so sorry. I'm sure you'll be ok, but it is a scary experience. Just be sure to follow your hospital's policy for any follow-up surveillance.

From now on, always engage the safety mechanism immediately upon withdrawal.

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Specializes in Emergency Midwifery.

Just wanted you to know I am thinking of you. ;)

The only time I ever stuck myself was before the needle got to the patient. I have my fingers crossed for you and hope everything turns out ok.

Nicky.

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Specializes in ICU.

I am sorry for you, don't beat yourself up. That's why they called them mistakes, otherwise we'd call them planned mishaps(?)

It sounds like you took all the appropriate steps. I wish you the best.

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Specializes in Med Surg, Mental Health & Addictions.

I am sorry this happened but as the above poster said don't beat yourself up. Mistakes do happen. At least you have taken the proper steps in filling out the incident report and having the labs drawn. My thoughts are with you as I'm sure this is a scary experience.

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Welcome to the club, my dear. Yes, it's scary but most needlesticks cause no problems. I have had many over the years, to the point where I just do what I have to do and resolve not to worry about it unless and until I find out there is a reason to worry.

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Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

Well put, Taz.

Once I stuck myself after giving a Depo shot. All was well.

Years later, I stuck myself drawing urine out of a u-bag for a newborn baby's drug screen. Mom was known HepC +. All was well.

It happens. Just follow your facility's post-exposure policy. Welcome to the club!

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Specializes in Operating Room Nursing.

I remember my first needlestick, happening when i was scrubbed in the middle of a procedure and i was so scared i started crying and someone had to scrub in for me :crying2:

You do learn from these mistakes though, hope it all works out for you...

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Specializes in ICU.

awww...hugs:icon_hug:

the patient has a neg hx, so it sounds as though it will be ok.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

After nearly 14 years of nursing I dropped a needle after giving an IM injection and was gabbing with the patient not looking while I picked it up and it went through my gloves deep into my finger.

All turned out well. I was concerned because the patient had risk factors.

You live and learn in life.

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Specializes in RN, BSN, CHDN.

It is really frightening isn't it! I remember getting a needle stick injury and I just went cold-It is a kind of shock that you cannot believe it has just happened.

Dont be dissapointed in yourself it was an accident and sometimes I am surprised it doesnt happen more often.

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

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I had a needle stick too. It is a scarry situation. I gave an insulin shot, then went to put up the protective shield and somehow stuck myself in the finger. Luckily everything worked out and the patient had nothing for me to worry about it. :)

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