HIV needle stick

Published

I am beyond freaking out about this. I am a home health nurse. Out of all the people I have stuck, I get pricked by a HIV + patient's needle. I was being too careful. Does anyone know whats the chances of me actually contracting hiv fom this?? It didn't break skin, but for sure pricked me. :arghh:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

We can not give medical advice per AN TOS however, there is a protocol that your company has. You need to have conversation with them about this immediately. If they do not, I would see your primary care MD sooner rather than later.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Have you reported to your employer? Have you reviewed cdc guidelines regarding exposure on intact skin?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.
I am beyond freaking out about this. I am a home health nurse. Out of all the people I have stuck, I get pricked by a HIV + patient's needle. I was being too careful. Does anyone know whats the chances of me actually contracting hiv fom this?? It didn't break skin, but for sure pricked me. :arghh:

If it didn't break the skin, then it didn't prick you. Is it possible you're over-reacting?

At any rate, contact your facility immediately.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for your responses. I'm not asking for medical advice. I guess I'm looking for reassurance. I don't believe it broke skin and the needle was not visibly bloody as I completley missed the vein. I may be over reacting, but to me this seems like something to overreact about. It was more like a graze, but with a slight prick to my forearm.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I would report this immediately. Even if it's nothing this was certainly a near miss that needs to be reported perhaps to help you in the future and possibly other employees.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It was reported right after it occurred. Blood was drawn. Policies and procedures were followed. Again, I was just looking for reassurance.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology.

What type of needle are we talking about?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I am beyond freaking out about this. I am a home health nurse. Out of all the people I have stuck, I get pricked by a HIV + patient's needle. I was being too careful. Does anyone know whats the chances of me actually contracting hiv fom this?? It didn't break skin, but for sure pricked me. :arghh:

I'm very sorry this happened to you! This doesn't seem like the place that will get you the type of response you need. There are too many factors involved and if you don't put every single detail of what you did/ have done up to this point you are going to get nothing but a lot of questions and assumptions. I will tell you this, I'm going to say a prayer for you and hope for the best.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

No medical advice but I think you can check into statistically what is considered an exposure.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Vascular Access.
I am beyond freaking out about this. I am a home health nurse. Out of all the people I have stuck, I get pricked by a HIV + patient's needle. I was being too careful. Does anyone know whats the chances of me actually contracting hiv fom this?? It didn't break skin, but for sure pricked me. :arghh:

Though I am sorry that this happened, my question to you is "Why wasn't the safety engaged upon removal of the stylet/needle?"

Up Vote Up Vote ×

How was the viral load? If very low, your odds are much improved, even with a severe stick.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion