Needle Sticks

Specialties Emergency

Published

Alright, so the other day I got stuck by a "dirty" needle. I had been trying to draw blood on a baby, and as i pulled the needle out, the baby moved and I got stuck. No blood on the needle. Didn't think another thing of it (since it was a baby), but followed normal needle stick protocol. Occupational health called me later in the week and had me come in to tell me that the baby tested positive for Hepatitis C. I'm pretty freaked out now. The Doctor said i had very little risk of contracting it...but it's still scary!!! Anyone else out there have any experience with this?

Thanks.

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Specializes in paediatric and trauma.

yeah once but it didn't harm me

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Specializes in Med/Surg Stepdown, Oncology.

I'm so sorry that you're dealing with this. :(

I've been through it once and am eternally thankful that my story ended on a good note, despite the patient's rapid-HIV test coming back positive. I was a sleep-deprived nervous wreck until the last of the results rolled in. I was finally given a "clean bill of health" once the follow-up testing was completed just a few short months ago!

Hang in there - I'll be keeping you in my thoughts! :icon_hug:

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Specializes in ER; HBOT- lots others.

I have been stuck, way before i was an RN, scared me to death, cried like a baby. But, we get thru things, thats what makes us strong! We will deal with anything!!! that comes our way. I am very sorry this has happened to you, i hope like us other two, that you are okay and clear.

-H-RN

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thank you everyone for such a quick reply. It helps to know others have been through this and it all turned out okay. Waiting 6 months for the "free and clear" verdict is frustrating...Thank you all so much for your thoughts! :)

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And "BUCKEYERN"... O-H!!!! :) Do you go to OSU? I went there for nursing school... :)

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Specializes in LTC/MDS/PPS.

I got "harpooned" once by my co-worker who tossed an IV needle at the same time I was reaching for something. Our patient had just recovered from a crytospora infection (plus he was nuetropenic). I was a bit freaked out the first few days following, but that was over 15 years ago now....make sure you get your blood tests when scheduled, goes along way to giving you confidence.

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oh my udonnomi....i would not be too happy with that co-worker!! I will be sure to get my follow up testing... :)

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buckeyeRN...i can't seem to send you a message back...i got yours...do i have to have PREMIUM membership to send PM's??

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Specializes in Med/Surg Stepdown, Oncology.
buckeyeRN...i can't seem to send you a message back...i got yours...do i have to have PREMIUM membership to send PM's??

Sorry, I didn't think of that as a potential problem! Yes, I think PM's are part of the membership upgrades...

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

No, you just need 15 posts before you can use the PM system.

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