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For all new experienced nurses- I am in my second week in hospital for clinical rotations .i am going for my BSN. I feel I want to cry- so much I need to learn, so little I know. Now I discovered I am germofobe to.... Worry about getting hiv, hep etc Then today I had an experience- clinical instructor told me to do a blood sugar. Did it and in the end she tells me to put everything in the gloves and toss. Stupid me, stupid me, stupid me decides that I need to put the test strip in my hands at the end and of course I felt a pinch because the strip is pointy on all 4 ends. I was wearing gloves, and I did not see any blood coming off my finger. Washed my hands but now of course I freak out. My clin instructor says I am fine because I was wearing gloves and it is not that I poked myself with a needle. What do you think all you experienced nurses? Do you agree? Am I crazy? I need serious help I guess

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Your instructor is correct. You do not need to worry about contracting a deadly disease because of the incident you described above. If you TRULY are terrified of germs, this is going to be a problem in your practice. It might help you to work with a professional counselor if you feel your phobia will interfere with your life and chosen career.

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Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

It's normal to have some hyperworry as a new nursing student, Many start believing they have all the diseases they study, in books or in clinical. It gets better!

You're not at risk from the attack of the test strip...truly!

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

Thread moved to General Nursing Student forum.

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