In need of advice, I watched a movie that is making me think?

llg, PhD, RN · May 11, 2012

It's always possible to make a mistake. I don't know anything about the movie you saw ... but needlesticks still happen -- often because people are rushed, cutting corners, or not thinking as they act. Equipment has improved in recent years making certain types of accidents less likely to happen, but nothing can guarantee your safety 100%.

Life includes risks. What exactly are you frightened of? What was it about the movie that frightened you so much?

GodsSon128 · May 11, 2012

as soon as i read the title of your thread i thought about this movie Puncture. A very scary experience how the ER nurse contracted HIV through an accidental needle prick. She later developed full-blown AIDS and died. This too traumatized me a little bit. However, it did not make me any less motivated to become a healthcare professional. There are risks in any job. Risks in life in general even if you are unemployed. Just be extra careful and follow all precautions, keep God first, and do your job. That's the best we can do

ADN2B · May 11, 2012

I thought about checking this movie out, but no need now.

GodsSon128 · May 11, 2012

if you are implying that i spoiled the movie for you, i assure you i did not. The scenario i described is just a small part in the movie, there is much more to the plot. I was not a big fan of the movie however.

allnurses Guide · May 12, 2012

Needle sticks can happen but you either have to wrap your head around it or find something else to do.

Sticks are usually avoidable and you will learn how to use needles properly.

In fact, it will be drilled into you.

Sometimes, the unexpected will happen and you may get stuck.

I work with combative and unpredictable patients.

I have to be especially mindful this.

If I have a patient that I do not trust (will the patient try to grab the needle? will they make a sudden move? what can this patient possible do they may cause me to be stuck?) then I really need decide how, or even if, I'm going to give the shot/draw the blood/start the IV.

Even in a tricky situation, I may not have a choice and it's a matter of how to get it done with least risk to myself or others assisting.

If this is what you want to do, then you need to do everything in your power to protect yourself.

I believe a good healthy fear will make you more vigilant and on your toes, but too much fear will actually hinder you and may actually cause a mistake.

You have to use good common sense and find a happy medium.

I don't know how clear I am being on this... nothing is black and white.

NurseLatteDNP, MSN, DNP, RN · May 12, 2012

As stated above, needle sticks happen, but the risk is very low if you are following safety protocol and common sense. And even if you ever get stuck, the chances of you getting anything from it, is very low. It is possible, but rare.

Equipment has gotten better too. It has been updated to make your job safer.

I have cought a nursing student stick their hand in the sharps box to retrieve an insulin pen she threw away by accident. Don't ever do this!

In our facilty Lovenox is the most common needle stick.

OB-nurse2013, BSN, RN · May 12, 2012

hahahahah no worries.....now if you do get accepted you have your topic for the many, many papers you will write and your own preventions for needle sticks.

leenak · May 12, 2012

I took care of a relative in the early 90s who died of AIDS. Now I wasn't handling needles but I was definitely exposed to bodily fluids and we knew a lot less than we know now. You never know what a patient may have which is why it is important to exercise caution and protect yourself as best you can. (Also, practice safe sex)

Bobmo88 · May 12, 2012

I'd be more worried about receiving an accidental needle stick from someone who was Hep C positive since the probability of contracting it is much higher than HIV if i'm not mistaken. Either way, it is still safer now than the days in which there were no safety needles.

Andy Droid · May 12, 2012

when you're downloadi... uh... "renting" puncture, you should also see "awake" (2007).

Claritee · May 12, 2012

Now that you've seen the movie, I'm sure you'll be extra careful. And always remember to fully retract the needle into its safety device immediately after withdrawing it from the patient. Also, don't attempt to recap a needle using your fingers on the cap, and never after it has been inserted into someone. You should be fine.