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!