needlestick injuries

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this weekend I got my first needlestick. I don't want to give out too much personal info though. The tests are back on the pt and everything is negative except for that he was positive for hep c. Unfortunatly I was stuck with a pretty big bore blood collection device. I have to get tested tomorrow to see if I'm now infected.:uhoh3:

I've been searching for some kind of information on resources that health care professionals have for such injuries besides the infection control officer at the hospital that I work at. There are No support groups? Is that because people generally don't want to be identifyed, and have this info leaked out to their employer?

And what are they doing to stop hep c? Anyone know of anything in the works of a vaccine? Everyone knows about all the good things that are being done with HIV/AIDS but Hep C is way more prevalent isn't it? I just never hear of anything in the way of hep c studies being done.

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Sorry to hear about your oopsie!! That is one of my biggest fears as a nurse. Unfortunately, I do not know of any support groups out there for nurses or other health care professionals with needle sticks. Seems like that would help one in dealing with the aftermath. Maybe check with your local health department or the infection control office at your facility. I'm sending prayers & hugs your way! I'm sure everything will be fine. If you can't find a support group, maybe you can be the one to start one...even an online support group may be helpful! Good luck with everything! Keep us posted on your results & any progress. God bless!

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Specializes in clinic and rural ER.

Sorry to hear about your stick. I also had this happen to me while drawing blood from a Hep C + inmate. I was scared to death...... but all of my tests came back negative. I still worrie to this day though. Have been a LPN 10 years and never got stuck before and didn't really hear of anyone until after i got stuck half the people i knew were telling me they had been stuck also. So ask around your not alone and you have nothing to be ashamed of it is an occupational hazard and no one will see it differently. The PA who is a friend of mine told me it's not that common to get Hep c from just a stick. I know it happens but there are a lot of options for treatments and most people don't have any real symtoms. Did u take the medicine when they drew blood? I have heard there is a hep C immunization in the works but not ready yet. Good Luck keep your head up!

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Specializes in ED.

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