My biggest fear

live4today, RN · Jul 29, 2002

MelH....living in NC...as I notice you do...if you ever walk on the beaches there barefoot, your chances of stepping on a dirty needle are greater than getting stuck by an infected patient in the hospital. If you eat out at restaurants, your chances are greater of becoming infested...infected....with something "not yet in Webster's dictionary". :chuckle

I say this to you because there are risk in every aspect of our living, and to live your life based on a fear is only NOT kosher, it's dangerous to yourself. You will learn to use every necessary precaution available in healthcare to keep yourself safe as possible, as well as your patient population. Now...stop your sniffing, and good luck to you in nursing. :kiss :)

Dayray, RN · Jul 29, 2002

I find the best way to avoid a needle stick is to be sure you firmly bite down on the cap as you hold it in your mouth to recap the sharp. The sharp should be firmly grasped in your hand and you quickly jab it into the cap between your teeth. It works even better if you have your eyes closed.

.:roll

I'm sorry needed to be a little silly after the last post I made. Just incase anyone mistook my feeble attempt at humor as real advise. Please never recap a sharp with your mouth!

I avoid sticks by first of all not recapping. If there isn't a sharp container close at hand take one in the room with you. The sharp goes strait into the container after you have used it. Don't let anything distract you. No matter how urgent, nothing is so important that you can't drop that sharp in the box before you attend to it. Always be aware of where the sharp is don't let it leave your eyesight and don't sit it down.

As for your second question. You should always use universal precautions. Treat everyone as if they were HIV or Hep positive. Wash your hands when you enter a room and when you leave it and then go home and wash them some more. Wear protective equipment when you handle body fluids or substances.

No matter how careful you are you will someday be exposed realize this and stay in good health so that your immune system will fight it off. When an exposure happens report it to your manager and follow the correct treatment

nursegoodguy · Jul 29, 2002

It is a, well fear is too strong of a word to use, how about concern... First of all I try to always be as close to the sharps container as possible. Our facility uses the retractable lancets too. Just always think before you stick!

NurseDennie, BSN, RN · Jul 29, 2002

I know a lot more nurses who have career-ending and life-changing back/shoulder injuries than who have had diseases that they can trace back to a dirty needle stick.

Love

Dennie

shay · Jul 29, 2002

Originally posted by Dayray
Please never recap a sharp with your mouth!

:eek: :eek: :eek: Did someone you know actually try this???!!??? :eek: :eek:

Moron of the year award!! Future darwin award winner!!!

debralynn · Jul 29, 2002

My biggest fear.......cooties. Thats right, those things that can jump, fly, infest in my newly colored hair that I would then have to strip of all life to get rid of them!!! Yes, that is my biggest fear when I start doing clinicals!!!!!!!!

Dayray, RN · Jul 29, 2002

hehe I have actually seen someone recap with their mouth. I also know several nurses that use their mouth to remove the cap from neddles often. Pretty weird huh?

MelH · Jul 29, 2002

okay, I am liking what I am hearing. My fears have been lowered! Thanks so much :) to all of you!! Your kind words have been heard and will be remembered!!!:roll

fedupnurse · Jul 29, 2002

originally posted by Dayray:

I find the best way to avoid a needle stick is to be sure you firmly bite down on the cap as you hold it in your mouth to recap the sharp. The sharp should be firmly grasped in your hand and you quickly jab it into the cap between your teeth. It works even better if you have your eyes closed.

Oh you and I would get along just fine!!!!

:roll :chuckle :roll

Trauma Columnist · Jul 29, 2002

You guys are great!!! The only thing I don't like is the critters in people's hair - YIKES!!!!! I always wear a head covering when dealing with them. OOOH - even now, just thinking about them, I'm itching!!! (I'm an ER nurse and there are plenty of species of critters floating/jumping around)!

MelH · Jul 29, 2002

like what are we talking about when we say CRITTERS??? just curious. also, if i wanted to could I go into a room completely covered from head to toe or is that against the rules? I am serious here! I don't want no critters jumpin' on me!