In our facility it is common practice, and encouraged, for dad's, family's of newborns to hang out at the warmer while the newborn assessment is going on. That is wonderful, for bonding and all of that, however, what happens when the family is so allover the baby ( and will not back up ) when the RN is trying to give shots. This happened to me and guess what? I got a needlestick. Luckily, it was a clean needle. Unluckily, It went through gloves that I had on when I touched the newborn. They were not bloody. The newborn had been dried off with rough surgical towels twice before this happened. I love my job, however, this incident has stressed me out so much, that I have actually thought of giving up on nursing. Now, I don't know if I should wait and be tested for HIV/HEP C (I'm immune to HEP B) or not worry about the possible exposure. Mom was negative on pre-natals with no Medical Hx. Info given to me by every agency that deals with this kind of thing is not to worry.
On a similar note..... I was washing the instruments last night aftera delivery and thought I felt a splash in my eye (although I couldn't be sure). The pt had a hx of HPV (no current outbreaks). I rinsed my eye good but didn't pursue it further..... should I be worried?
fourbirds4me
347 Posts
On a similar note..... I was washing the instruments last night aftera delivery and thought I felt a splash in my eye (although I couldn't be sure). The pt had a hx of HPV (no current outbreaks). I rinsed my eye good but didn't pursue it further..... should I be worried?