NeedleTape

hi there, not only are they required to implement new technology the legislation gives frontline nurses the power to participate in selecting and evaluating new safety technology and devices for their own and patient safety. a point that is often not highlighted. [table=class: wrapper, width: 1024] [tr] [td] [/td] [/tr] [/table]

Hoping you come out clean on this one! It must be scary not knowing. What I find troubling in a few of these posts is that a surgeon and nurse manager were blaming a nurse for being careless! This is crazy making. Needlestick safety is EVERYONE's responsibility in the OR suite. You could be the most careful nurse ever but not everything is in the nurses control. Nurses are an integral part of the healthcare continuum of care and should be treated with more respect.

Be sure to report the incident and get the support you need. It must be really scary not knowing. Best wishes to you.

Needlesticks unfortunately continue to be a major concern for healthcare workers. Though its been 12 years since the passage of the landmark legislation, the 2000 Needlestick Safety Prevention Act there is still reason to be concerned. Many needle safe devices exist however not all are effective and in fact some studies have shown that some of these devices actually increase needlesticks. A recent study also showed that though there have been decreases since the legislation that in fact there were increases in needlesticks in surgical settings. I watched Puncture on Netflix recently too and its actually based on a true story of a small safe needle manufacturer that was blocked by a large GPO, long litigation, but in short the manufacturer won. The ANA provides up to date resources on how to protect yourself and also know that as a frontline healthcare worker it is your right to help make decisions about needle safe devices you believe will make an impact in your practice. Good luck!

I just came across your post. Gosh you should not feel ashamed, nursing has inherent risks and in a fast paced environment with so many different variables, unintended needlesticks unfortunately occur. The psychological trauma associated with needlesticks is tremendous and should not be taken lightly. I hope for a good outcome for you and in your career.

I know your post is a bit older, however I just read your story and am sorry to hear about your circumstance. I just read an article about the impact of the year 2000 Federal Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act in different healthcare settings, and though in many settings the incidence of needlesticks decreased, they actually increased in surgical settings. needlestick injury - pg.2 I hope your results come back clean.

Hi Laughing RN, I just read your story and ordeal, I can't imagine how stressful this whole experience has been and continues to be for you. I just learned that one of my close aunts who has been a long time nurse was stuck by a needle from a child who had Hep, which she subsequently acquired. I am glad to hear that your results are coming back with good news. Its really a sad commentary on the nursing profession that nurses have to contend with these hazards, especially given the selfless nature of nursing and the impact that nurses have on the well being of others. I wish you the best in your journey. Kindly,

From your posts, it seems that clinic culture in conjunction with protocol might dictate incidence of dislodgements. Other than the RedSense monitor which is now required by VA dialysis centers, any other safety mechanisms that you might have come across during your practice?

Thank you for your post, well it seems obvious that covering up the access site would cause problems, however I recently attended a dialysis conference where I interacted with a number of dialysis nurses who suggested that these types of policies are not in place. That patients like to keep warm and cover themselves during treatments. Your clinic's policy should be replicated given your success rate. The abstract you suggested is one I have seen, but not much else. Thanks again.

Redsense is in fact a requirement now by VA facilities conducting hemodialysis as of November 1, 2010.

I'm doing some research on the prevalence of needle dislodgement within dialysis. Please comment if you have experienced VND with a patient. I have found several articles related to this issue but it seems understudied and/or not enough attention paid to this seemingly important patient/healthcare worker safety issue. Thanks!