Got a needlestick

Nurses General Nursing

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I got a needlestick after giving insulin to a patient yesterday. I did the protocol and went to our ER, had blood drawn, etc., as did the 'source patient'. I followed up today with the employee health nurse, and was told that the Hepatitis was negative and now we wait for the HIV part, which should be in tomorrow. There is nothing like Hepatitis of HIV in this patient's history, that I got from his history, but who knows. I have been terrified, and going through a range of emotions: angry, crying, depressed. And I think to myself, "Man, this job is not worth having to deal with this."

The ER doctor told me that the risk of exposure is so low from this type of needlestick, that the risks of starting HIV meds outweighs the benefits. I confirmed this with the Infection Nurse, and she said the same. So now I just wait....which is the hardest!

Hey Pie123---

I was an O.R. nurse for 16 years, and while it is true that a needle stick is bad, and can give you all sorts of problems, the risk of HIV/AIDS is really, really small with this type of stick. The surgons, and the Infection Control, have told us that you have to have about 5ml to be injected in via the needle to be a real worry. Even a splash into your eyes takes a decent amout of contaminated fluid to cause harm. Please know that you re in my thoughts--been there, done that!!! Not fun.:o

's RN

Specializes in ICU, Geri, Education.

{{(((((Pie123)))))}}

You are in my prayers. I am with the others that say your risks are extremly low. I know that may not help right now, while you wait, but know we are praying for you!

-S

If you didn't take PEP after the incident you can have a HIV DUo test done p24antigen and antibodies done at 28 days which is 99.8% accurate- Hep C is unfortunately 12 weeks, but a PCR or RNA taken at around 6-7 weeks would provide some reassurance if you are finding it tough. I know this cos its happening to me- you are not alone. I don't think I can ever go back to nursing, no matter what my results turn out to be, and yes, this is the worst time of my life too. Don't blame yourself, it was an accident, just like if you had been in your car and had a wreck, an accident. Thoughts and prayers, but I think the risk is very small, I hope that helps somewhat.

I know,i 've not been there where you are but i know how it feels to be in stress.I pray that nothing we know nothing about will bring our health down.Hope all turns out well for you.

Azor

Specializes in Med/Surg.
If you didn't take PEP after the incident you can have a HIV DUo test done p24antigen and antibodies done at 28 days which is 99.8% accurate- Hep C is unfortunately 12 weeks, but a PCR or RNA taken at around 6-7 weeks would provide some reassurance if you are finding it tough. I know this cos its happening to me- you are not alone. I don't think I can ever go back to nursing, no matter what my results turn out to be, and yes, this is the worst time of my life too. Don't blame yourself, it was an accident, just like if you had been in your car and had a wreck, an accident. Thoughts and prayers, but I think the risk is very small, I hope that helps somewhat.

Up to speed...the OP posted in April 07.

I hope you go back to nursing. You can step out on the street today and get hit by a bus. Nothing in life is certain :nurse:

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