I'm a blood donor and have donated blood a couple of times. Part of the pre-donating process is to do a FS to check HGB levels. At first it was low so I had to get it rechecked but by a different employee. So the next employee comes in to do the FS and puts on a Faceshield.:eek: I was like WTH ! You would think he was about to suction me or something. I'm a nurse in LTC and have plenty of fingersticks I have never ever never ever have had to resort to putting on a faceshield. Maybe I'm wrong, when someone please enlighten me.
BTW- This gentle men did my pre- screen last year and he didn't where a faceshield then... so why this time ?
Well thanks for the replies. All explanations make since. I guess I need to wear a faceshield at work for my fingersticks now.
...This gentle men did my pre- screen last year and he didn't where a faceshield then... so why this time...?
BTW, in regards to your first question, I think the answer probably lies in why he didn't on the one occasion, and then did on the other. My guess? Somewhere in between, he must have learned the hard way. That is, he had blood splatter into his eye after the first time you met him. Hence, by the time of your next encounter with him, he wasn't taking any chances with anyone. Given the things that I've seen over the years, I too, am inclined to see things from the "better safe than sorry" school.
However IMHO, a full face mask is a bit overkill unless you're a perpetual mouth breather. For me, eye shields and keeping my mouth closed (ie. no directly exposed mucous membrane) are sufficient. Also, for those that need focal adjustments and a sturdier scratch resistant plastic (because of repeated use) there are a multitude of low cost products to choose from.
I was having my bs being checked while I was in the hospital and the nurse stuck my finger and it squirted so bad I had it on my face all over my blanket, could not beleive it had to change my gown even. Not sure if she got any on her or not, it was like it stuck a little capillary or somethin I have been a nurse 15 years and had never had it happen to anyone I stuck but it happened to me :))) I was getting stuck qid and it only happened once.,
Hmm, after reading this, I think I'll get a pair of those safety glasses and put them in my pocket. Although I do wear glasses all the time. This thread has me thinking. :) A week ago, a patient was showing me a large boil in her groin. I started to say, "Don't touch it", but I had barely said, "D.." when she squeezed it and it squirted up in the air. Yuck! TG I didn't get hit with any fluids, but it was a close call.
:eek: I was like WTH ! You would think he was about to suction me or something. I'm a nurse in LTC and have plenty of fingersticks I have never ever never ever have had to resort to putting on a faceshield. Maybe I'm wrong, when someone please enlighten me. 
:uhoh3:
Emergency RN
544 Posts
BTW, in regards to your first question, I think the answer probably lies in why he didn't on the one occasion, and then did on the other. My guess? Somewhere in between, he must have learned the hard way. That is, he had blood splatter into his eye after the first time you met him. Hence, by the time of your next encounter with him, he wasn't taking any chances with anyone. Given the things that I've seen over the years, I too, am inclined to see things from the "better safe than sorry" school.
However IMHO, a full face mask is a bit overkill unless you're a perpetual mouth breather. For me, eye shields and keeping my mouth closed (ie. no directly exposed mucous membrane) are sufficient. Also, for those that need focal adjustments and a sturdier scratch resistant plastic (because of repeated use) there are a multitude of low cost products to choose from.
Here is one example: Safety Glasses
Good luck!