Needle Stick On 12-Month Old

[RnPR]

I was giving a varicella vaccine on a 12 month old at an office I work at. He was a newer patient so we didn't have any of his screenings. His history said healthy with no issues but I can't be for sure of that can it? My supervisor was watching me for a check off and he didn't see it. It was after I injected it and went to put flip the safety. It got me pretty good like it bled and left a small bruise. I immediately washed my hands and scrubbbed my finger with alcohol. I didn't tell anyone about it either as I am Very new. I'm so embarrassed and worried. I feel even more stupid now for not telling anyone. He shouldn't have any blood borne pathogens, I wouldn't think 😫But I don't know 100% for sure!

[NurseCard, ADN]

YOu should always report needle sticks. An incident report would

help to keep up with any trend; are other people having issues with

that same needle? Issues with the safety mechanism? And, you

don't know that a 12 month old doesn't have anything, for absolute

sure. Even though it's pretty unlikely. Way unlikely.

[JKL33]

I would encourage you to still report this occurrence as soon as possible.

And, though I hope you won't have to go through the angst of this again, remember that things happen. Exposures are not dealt with in a punitive manner. Always report. There is a procedure that is followed with your health (emotional and physical) and safety being a priority.

[SouthpawRN]

Please report it, Things like HIV can be treated very effectively right after the event, but not down the road. Reporting needlesticks is not for punitive action and is totally focused on your safety and reviewing what occurred to reduce it happening in the future. learning from our mistakes is the best way to learn. Don't make an honest mistake be a life sentence. I have a professor whose research is focused on needlesticks with nursing students/ nurses. She recently told me about a nursing student who did not report a stick and now has HIV! I sent you a PM with her contact info if you what to talk to someone in anonymously and confidentially about what happened

[Purple_roses]

You've already received advice that I hope you act on. I know this must be terrifying for you, and I really do hope that you report...your mind will probably be at ease once the toddler is tested. One of the most knowledgeable nurses I know had a needle stick; nobody thought any less of her. It happens. You are not stupid, and you will not be punished for this.

Come back and let us know when you get this taken care of!

Also wanted to add that if this ever happens again (hopefully it doesn't!) you'd want to report it the moment it happens so that the patient can be tested before they even leave the clinic.

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

Just so you know I have cared for infants with HIV. You need to fess up and go through the proper steps.

[SaltySarcasticSally, LPN, RN]

I have gotten a needle stick from a vaccine injection. Its a low risk needle stick but you definitely need to get it checked. Don't be embarrassed, I had been giving injections for 5 years prior to my incident and considered myself very cautious in regards to needle sticks but it still happened to me. You may help others avoid the same thing. Mine was mainly a result of newer, cheaper needles the company had bought. The safety was flimsy and broke when I was attemptiom to take the capped needle off to save the syringe for the lot # because I was too busy to write it down. Definitely never do that now plus my company took those needles out of commision immediately. You can never know what any patient may or may not have so please protect yourself and report!