Needle sticks

So many I've lost track

Countless times.... all pre patient contact, though. Thank God!

I'm not a nurse yet (I start school next week), but I spent 11 years in Veterinary Medicine and stuck myself more times than I could possibly count. We also don't use gloves like in human nursing, so I'm wondering how I'll do with 1) wearing gloves and not being able to feel things as well, and 2) keeping me from poking myself!! Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Kathy

2 and boy they were scary. Went through all the protocal and both times the patients were tested for HIV/HepC and were negative..whew!

Yup about my 3rd week of orientation as a new grad...it was prept though thank goodness...I had just drawn up the ativan and clicked the safety cap on the counter to close it like you are supposed to...went to remove the capped needle from the syringe and the needle went through the safety cap and into my thumb...that hurt like the dickens....

Ever had a needle stick?

Funny you should ask, I was just researching this last night. I got stuck about 2 weeks ago. It was an ICU pt that was a really hard stick.....I tried twice and then got my supervisor to try. She got it, but didn't retract the needle into the safety device. I didn't notice she didn't retract it....who the heck leaves exposed needles laying there in the mess with used alcohol wipes and the rest of the mess to clean up?

I was cleaning up the mess with both hands, and BANG, it stuck me.

I asked what the policy was for needle sticks.....she said watch and wait

We were quite busy so I didn't press the matter - probably should have. I didn't insist on testing the patient either - probably should have. Probably should have filed an incident report too.

Cannot believe your supervisor said watch and wait. You should go fill in a retrospective incident form and attend occupational health today. I believe your supervisor was trying to hide a needlestick injury because it was her

fault it occurred.

I work in the UK and am not familiar with the safety device you spoke about. Could anyone enlighten me please?

Cannot believe your supervisor said watch and wait. You should go fill in a retrospective incident form and attend occupational health today. I believe your supervisor was trying to hide a needlestick injury because it was her

fault it occurred.

I work in the UK and am not familiar with the safety device you spoke about. Could anyone enlighten me please?

This was an 20 gauge IV needle. After inserting the plastic cannula into the vein, you withdraw the needle and advance a plastic hub over the needle end to PREVENT needle stick injuries. It requires little effort to cover the needle tip. I just couldn't believe she didn't do it!

yes, too many to count.

funny you should ask, i was just researching this last night. i got stuck about 2 weeks ago. it was an icu pt that was a really hard stick.....i tried twice and then got my supervisor to try. she got it, but didn't retract the needle into the safety device. i didn't notice she didn't retract it....who the heck leaves exposed needles laying there in the mess with used alcohol wipes and the rest of the mess to clean up?

i was cleaning up the mess with both hands, and bang, it stuck me.

i asked what the policy was for needle sticks.....she said watch and wait

we were quite busy so i didn't press the matter - probably should have. i didn't insist on testing the patient either - probably should have. probably should have filed an incident report too.

i agree she probably didn't want an incident report done because the stick was her fault. i would definately write up an incident report and go see employee health to be checked out. i can't believe she said policy was to watch and wait.....unreal.

________________________________

go gators!! :yelclap: 1/8/7 ~ 41-14

:w00t: 2006 national champions!! :w00t:

Funny you should ask, I was just researching this last night. I got stuck about 2 weeks ago. It was an ICU pt that was a really hard stick.....I tried twice and then got my supervisor to try. She got it, but didn't retract the needle into the safety device. I didn't notice she didn't retract it....who the heck leaves exposed needles laying there in the mess with used alcohol wipes and the rest of the mess to clean up?

I was cleaning up the mess with both hands, and BANG, it stuck me.

I asked what the policy was for needle sticks.....she said watch and wait

We were quite busy so I didn't press the matter - probably should have. I didn't insist on testing the patient either - probably should have. Probably should have filed an incident report too.

Report it NOW! Also if you are in a union shop I would report the issue to a steward.

I agree, report it, if nothing but for your own sanity. Have the pt tested.

My first stick was super scary, the pt. was a John Doe so we had no history on him. He couldnt speak or tell us either. We did an emergent consent signed by the docs and did a rapid HIV test (took an hour or so) and Hep C.

I'm pretty sure the protocol in your hospital is not watch and wait. We are supposed to report and follow up with employee health after going to the ER. I went and the doc said my sticks were "low risk", we still tested the pts.

Go above her if you have to.