Thndrstorm23

Anytime you are using needles you MUST stay aware. I have only ever been stuck twice, in the same place (my middle finger) with a sterile needle (luckily). Being a phlebo for the past 5 years (nursing student atm), i got into some good habits about needles but injuries do happen. Try to take the time to make sure of your safety - espeically with dirty needles. Make sure you stop most anything else, if you can, and get rid of that needle. Don't place on a table to take care of later, etc. I know that sometimes that situations dictate that you do that but make that the exception and you should be safer. The short answer is, yes - any dirty needle can cause blood bourne disease. The amount of blood still on the needle going through the gloves and cap will be greatly decreased and the less blood left is better chances for you.

Natcat I was meaning a patient not the nurse on the bathroom breaks - implying the importance of prioritizing.

Even though I am not a nurse yet, I expect my first several years to feel exactly the same way you do. Just for the fact that you are caring about all of this means that you are in the right profession and seriously care about the level of patient care you are giving. ~ Slow down, concentrate on the task at hand. (great advice given earlier) ~ Smile, things could be a lot worse. ~ Prioritize your tasks... that bathroom break might be important but should it be the top of the list? ~ Ask for some help if you can. (great advice given earlier) There are some things you cannot change and therefor you should not worry. Sounds like you need a . Always keep in mind that there are SOOO many different jobs out there that you could do as an RN. ~Steve