Going crazy

[Naomimillerrr]

So I'm a new nurse and I have. Big fear of needlesticks. Often when I'm doing something totally unrelated to injections. Like hooking up an IV tubing. I feel a sensation of a stick. Then I look around the room nervous thinking what if the previous nurse left a needle unattended and not properly dispose and it stuck me. What should I do? Am I going nuts? Have you even seen a needle not properly disposed in a pt room?

[Asystole RN]

I have no idea to resolve your issue, there is a certain amount of prudence in examining your surroundings for environmental hazards.

I have found needles out several times and have been stuck before.

[TriciaJ, RN]

Watch for people who put inappropriate things in sharps containers, like product packaging. It tends to jam, then other nurses put needles in without noticing that they can't drop down. Then you have needles sticking out the top, waiting to get someone.

What you are likely experiencing, though, is new-grad anxiety that's attached itself to a fear of needle sticks. Just be prudent, follow best practice and your anxieties in general should subside over the next few months.

[Naomimillerrr]

The room was cleaned. I was doing my new admission when this happened. The room was empty for 9 hours prior to that admission.