Needlestick with HIV exposure

[veegeern, BSN, RN]

While starting an IV on a HIV+ patient, had a mishap that resulted in the tip of the cannula piercing her skin and then sticking me. This was yesterday afternoon, and I'm just coming out of shock.

My co-workers, our docs, ER staff, nursing supervisor, pharmacist, lab techs etc...all were great. Acted fast. Very supportive. Medication regimen started in less than 2 hours, and I was given the next 4 days off work.

Right now, I think my feeling of having done something wrong and my fear of side effects from the drugs are greater than my fear of contracting HIV. That's not saying that I'm not afraid of contracting the virus, just that I've been able to use logic to convince myself that the incidence of infection is low. Feeling inadequate has really surprised me. Anyone else been here?

[MultipurposeRN]

I'm so sorry to hear that happened to you! Thank goodness for the quick response in getting treatment. I'm just curious, what medication do they give you post exposure? I'd heard of something you could get within a few hours, but I couldn't remember what it was.

I'll think positive thoughts to wend your way. Hang in there!

[Meerkat]

Hang in there! Sorry you are going thru this. I had a needlestick with a patient who was positive for Hep C. I have not come up positive so far, but I went thru all the feelings you went thru---guilt, worry, wondering if I was incompetant, embarrassment. Listen, the fact is, a needlestick could happen to ANY nurse. Don't add more stress to yourself by feeling guilty. Keep lots of support around you. And may I suggest that you start seeing a counselor ASAP so you can work thru this waiting period? HUGS and keeping my fingers crossed for you!

[naggytabby, BSN, RN]

i posted on another thread about my experience with a needlestick (hiv, hep b and c) a few years ago. hang in there. everything you feel is normal and expected.

glad you got 4 days off-

all my results were negative by the way. the percentage of hcw who contract hiv is quite low- none the less that doesn't completely calm the anxiety etc.

day by dayand lots of deep breaths:balloons:

[veegeern, BSN, RN]

I'm so sorry to hear that happened to you! Thank goodness for the quick response in getting treatment. I'm just curious, what medication do they give you post exposure? I'd heard of something you could get within a few hours, but I couldn't remember what it was.

I'll think positive thoughts to wend your way. Hang in there!

I received Combivir, Kaletra, and Viread x 28 days, and I was told that there is another regimen that I can go to if I can't tolerate this one.

[veegeern, BSN, RN]

Hang in there! Sorry you are going thru this. I had a needlestick with a patient who was positive for Hep C. I have not come up positive so far, but I went thru all the feelings you went thru---guilt, worry, wondering if I was incompetant, embarrassment. Listen, the fact is, a needlestick could happen to ANY nurse. Don't add more stress to yourself by feeling guilty. Keep lots of support around you. And may I suggest that you start seeing a counselor ASAP so you can work thru this waiting period? HUGS and keeping my fingers crossed for you!

I started to "shrug off" the counselor suggestion. That is until I stopped and thought about how tight my teeth have been clenched since yesterday...and how teary I feel...and how I'm dreading that first day back at work...Thanks for the HUGS and all!

[veegeern, BSN, RN]

Thanks to ALL for your thoughts! I was feeling very isolated this morning. Like nobody in the world had done this before...I've had some calls from coworkers, and I've read your posts. It helps to know that I'm not the only one out there that's done this.