Nursing and needle pricks

Debra ACRN · Dec 2, 2010

Well I've worked in an HIV clinic for 18 years and never had a needle stick. I think there are less then 300 total health care workers in the U.S. that have contracted HIV from a needle stick in all the years HIV has been around. Thats not many. I'm sure your chances of getting killed in a car accident on the way to work has a much higher death rate. We all have a different comfort level with risk. I just think it's interesting that those most worried about HIV risk from some fluke (i.e. not sex or IVDU) that drive away smoking and not wearing a seat belt.

Bottom line is that as nurses we are trained to make our encounters with potentially infectious fluid as safe as possible. It has worked for me and most of my fellow nurses. Take care and good luck.

nurse2033, MSN, RN · Dec 2, 2010

Driving around in your car is far more dangerous. We all take calculated risks in our lives from rock climbing to too much TV. Needle sticks are 99% within your control.

Belle Epoque · Dec 2, 2010

If you follow policy and all the proper precautions, your chances of contracting a blood borne disease through needle stick injury or other methods are extremely negligible.

There are many reasons not to get into heath care but this isn't one of them.

sevensonnets · Dec 2, 2010

I've been a nurse for 30 years and have never stuck myself. Never recap a used needle and immediately dispose of a used needle in a sharps container. If you never deviate from those rules you'll be okay. It's carelessness that gets you into trouble!

vampiregirl, BSN, RN · Dec 3, 2010

As other posters pointed out, the risk of acquiring a disease through a needlestick is incredibly low.

Also, if you follow policies and procedures, the risk of getting a needlestick is low.

Another thing to consider is that sharps themselves are being made safer. A lot of needles have some sort of safety device to secure the needle after it is used.

As far as wiggley kids go, there are things you can do to lessen that risk too. Having extra hands to gently restrain kids is always good. Another trick is to put an armboard on a child before starting the IV - that really helps to steady the arm. There are also some medications that they are researching giving intranasally - such as the meds to stop seizures (needles and actively seizing children are a challenge). I'm sure people who work with peds frequently can offer even more hints.

One final note, fear can be used to your advantage. You can use it to make sure you are doing things to minimize risk. People who don't care can be complacent, which puts them at a higher risk. Keep educating yourself also. Good luck:)

tainted1972, ASN, RN · Dec 3, 2010

While you are a student you will have opportunities to work with needles. I spent a lot of time in the lab just uncapping the needle. putting it into a vial, drawing up fluid ETC..

I was afraid of needle sticks.. I felt that the more time I spent by myself with needles the more comfortable I would become.. And I was Right.

I have never stuck my self with a needle! :) (knocks on wood)

resumecpr · Dec 3, 2010

Hepatitis can live on a surface for up to 14 days (per the CDC). Always, always, always use universal precautions. Protecting yourself is the number one preventative medicine.

xInspiredx · Jan 31, 2011

I've been reading quite a few posts about needle pricks and contracting diseases, and I am just wondering why this can't be solved by wearing gloves?

Are people just too fearful? I feel like I am missing something here, but I am getting worried now too!

mama_d, BSN, RN · Jan 31, 2011

Gloves help to a small extent with needle sticks, but the biggest concern is the gauge of needle you're stuck with. I've had two needle sticks, both insulin needles thankfully. One was not a safety syringe, the other one the safety mechanism malfunctioned.

The first was a pt who ended up being hep c positive. Thank God I didn't get it. Your chances of getting hep c are actually much higher than HIV...I don't know if that makes you feel better or just gives you more to worry about :)

Anyway, always follow proper procedure and just be very aware of safety and you'll minimize your risks.

Horseshoe, BSN, RN · Jan 31, 2011

I've been reading quite a few posts about needle pricks and contracting diseases, and I am just wondering why this can't be solved by wearing gloves?
Are people just too fearful? I feel like I am missing something here, but I am getting worried now too!

Wearing gloves reduces, but does not ELIMINATE, the risk of contracting a disease after a needle stick.

I agree with those above who state that probably 99% of needle sticks happen due to recapping needles or some other operator error in judgment. Follow Universal precautions and you your risk is negligible.

BabyLady, BSN, RN · Jan 31, 2011

Hey guys. I'm a 27 year old male student just starting my pre reqs for the nursing program. My dream would be to work with children and perhaps become a pediatric nurse. However there is one thing, one hurdle that has me questioning my career path: needle pricks and other forms of contracting an incurable disease while working in healthcare.
I've been browsing these forums for months now, and I read about the accidental pricks and the rare occurrence that some contract HIV etc. Has me scared, really scared - and second guessing.
Would love to read some thoughts of others regarding this. Thanks a bunch.

You have a greater chance from becoming HIV infected through unprotected sex than you do as a healthcare worker.

Just sayin'.