Needlestick!

[SarahCeleste]

As a student nurse, the topic we've seemed to dwell on lately is needlesticks. I know that it is possible and accidents happen, but I was infuriated :angryfire to learn that if you do receive a needlestick, you must obtain the client's permission to obtain their record to see if they're positive for a communicable disease! I was shocked----I am a big supporter of patients rights, of course, but geez, what about the nurses end?? I had a friend who got a needlestick and the client, who happend to be hers, was Hep C positive. She was beside herself and rightly so, but luckily, it was not transmitted to her. If this patient had not been hers, and the patient refused the admission of information----I dont even want to think about the consequences. I think patient rights are important, but nurses rights seem to be put on the backburner here. What are your feelings about this? Also, have you ever had a needlestick and how often would you say this happens? Of course, being a student I haven't had much exposure to this, so any information you seasoned guys can give me would be much appreciated! Thanks-----

[teeituptom, BSN, RN]

Been there done that

Almost a yr ago in fact, Dirty needle stick. Pt was pos for HIV and Hep c. Did the triple cocktail for a month and so far I am still negative. Employee health takes care of everything for you. Relieved me of a lot of worry.

[purplemania, BSN, RN]

I think the premise is the nurse is trained to prevent these incidences and the patient should not have to submit to an "injury" (phlebotomy) on someone else's account. I was stuck once (before the safety cathlons) and it was my fault. Employee health said not to worry: patient was elderly white female, not in high risk group. Yeah, right. She was retired phlebotomist who practiced before universal precautions were mandatory. No problem though. I was lucky.

[teeituptom, BSN, RN]

You may be taught to where gloves and all and use saftey devices with needle guards and such. But I am here to tell you that latex gloves are not needle proof they penetrate right through latex and they do make you worry.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

In Illinois - you don't need consent to test the source patient when healthcare worker gets needlestick. IMHO this should be universal.

[Katnip, RN]

When a patient jerks or suddenly decides to get combative and a nurse gets stuck, it's not the nurse's fault. I agree, I think the healthcare provider should have the right to know what the risks are when they are stuck with a contaminated needle. It's not like ithe patient's status is going to be announced in the newspapers.

[renerian, BSN, RN]

Happened to me with a combative patient once. The waiting is awful. On the flip side I would want to know who was digging in my personal records if I was the client, of course, I would consent for the draw.

I think everyone deserves the chance to give permission for people to consent for looking at records.

renerian