My Needlestick, I'm crazy!

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in Med/Surg, Peds, ICU.

So...I'm driving myself crazy :*) 1 Week ago tomorrow I walked into my patient room and started a 20 gauge PIV, somehow I managed to stick myself (superficial) in the high side/ at the main tip of my index finger. I immediately bled it, clensed with alcohol, soap, and water. I asked my patient if she had ever been exposed/diagnosed with HIV/Hepatitis C---she said "Well no but I have had Shingles"--I thought that was cute. Anyway, she is 57 years old--had church family in her room as well as her own family, kids, and grandchildren. Her history includes lymphoma :(, HTN, Osteoperosis, Degenerative Disc Disease. She possibly was in the ER for a pulmonary embolism and she has kidney stones. She has been a patient at our hospital for a long time, she visits her doctor regularly and always has a CBC/BMP drawn for her lymphoma. She has been seen three times this year at our hospital and comes back in a week for kidney stone surgery. She has also had a hip replacement. So...I am 5 months pregnant. I asked other nurses they didn't think it was anything to worry about. I should have reported it but guess I felt crazy b/c it was a stupid mistake. I realize the only stupid thing was not reporting it. I know God watches over me while I'm at work and he is protecting me. But...I am an advid worrier aboout everything!!! What do you all think? Do you think I'm in the clear that everything is okay? I just need to hear from people I don't know rather than people I do know b/c of course everyone I have told at work were all like "it's fine, there is nothing to worry about!" But...I am driving myself crazy!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

I would contact your manager and let him/her know what happened. Even though you didn't fill out the paperwork at the time you should still be able to file a report. Also, the hospital should test you for HIV/Hep C. If not, go to you OB/GYN and have it done. I don't think you have anything to worry about though. Best wishes.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Sounds like your pt is still relatively low risk for HIV even with her chronic health problems. Have you had the Hepatitis vaccine? If so, you should be fine. I would report it to employee health, though. If it makes you feel any better, I was stuck with a needle starting an IV a very long time ago while 8 months pg. He is now almost 19 and healthy as a horse. Try not to worry and congratulations on your new addition.:heartbeat

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in L&D, Maternal Fetal Medicine, LTC.

Talk about feeling dumb...heres my story...

I worked in a Maternal Fetal Medicine Clinic and was doing a FSBS on a pt with DM. Well, she didnt want to bleed for me, so I had her dangle her hand, milked the finger and then (I SWEAR!) lightly squeezed her finger. OMG! Did her finger squirt like I have NEVER seen in my life. It sprayed my face and the top of my scrubs. We were both so surprised. Although I knew she was low risk for HIV, HepB, etc--prenatal panel had been run within 2-3 months Id say---plus she denied any known exposure and monogamy with her current partner. I did report it and had the blood tests run just to put my mind at ease. I was SO embarrased to even explain what had happened to my Nursing Manager and the Occupational Health Nurse, but neither one of them really acted like it was a big deal. Dont be embarrased to report something like that, we like to laugh at ourselves about it, but it happens to the best of us. Good luck!

Felicia

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Silly question, but I can't tell from the post. Did you stick yourself before or after you stuck her? I'm assuming after, but I still like to clarify.

Yes, you should have reported it it, no matter what. Second, I hope you didn't ask her about possible HIV status in front of her visitors.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I say report it. If you are worried, tell your own doc, but I think you'll be fine.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

"Treat every patient as if they were infected with HIV"

Regardless of your patient's low risk, report it. I had a needle stick with a 4 year old child and had to get tested for Hep B, Hep C, HIV initially, then at one month, 2 months, 3 months, 6 months, and a year after exposure.

The child had to be checked as well. It's scary. Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych, Med/Surg, Home Health, Oncology.

I think, even tho it's late, that you should report it. ALL NEEDLESTICKS SHOULD ALWAYS BE REPORTED!!!

You and the patient should be tested, even tho the pt. has no history or risks.

It would definitely help you relax.

I know this can be a very scarey time for you; Many years ago, when we had our first HIV cases & it was all new, I actually had 2 NEEDLESTICKS about 2 yrs apart. Once I stuck myself with an accucheck lancet & the second time a Resident Physician stuck me with an IV needle He had not completely retracted.

Needless to say I was a basket case both times & the MD was just sick.

So, I was tested every few months. I was OK; HOWEVER, you really need to ALWAYS follow policy.

It's for you're protection.

I had a friend who years ago had a needle stick (BEFORE HIV); in fact over the years she said she had several. She NEVER reported any of them. After some years had passed, she ended up with Hepatitis & liver damage. She tried to claim that it was from her job. Since there was no record of the incidents, she didn't have a leg to stand on. So please, in the future, PROTECT YOURSELF!!!

I'm sure you'll be fine, but for your own peace of mind, either report it now or at least talk to your MD.

Good Luck!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in School Nursing.

sorry you are going through all of this. hope things improve for you. :saint:

praiser :heartbeat

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Peds, ICU.

Thank you everyone! I know now everything is going to be fine. You know..as nurses..we work in a risky environment :( But our patients count on us and we are there because God put us there ya know. I think with my pregnancy I'm clumbsy with my fingers, hands so I have to focus more on that! Anyway, thanks for all concerns :) It's always scary when something like this happens. I, fortunately, although unfortunate to have a needlestick, was stuck by a very sweet lady who bless her soul has so many medical problems...but has been a regular patient at our hospital for many years and is followed closely for her medical problems. I told my mom I should be praying for her and her problems than thinking about myself :() Thanks everyone! I'll be tested just to ease my mind but now I know all is well and I am protected more than I know by our great Heavenly Father above :) He's watching over me and my baby :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Peds, ICU.

Trust me, I know how to appropriately ask medical questions to patients :) and it's not in front of a room full of people :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU Nursing.

I think it is very wise to contact occupational health/your manager.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment