RN New Hire - what would you expect them to do?

[chsc]

If one of your newly hired (i.e. fresh out of training and generally overwhelmed) staff members had a hectic shift and left a sharp in a patients room, but then put it away immediately when they noticed it upon their return, would you have expected them to write up a self report? Is that reasonable? Or would you fire them? Thoughts?

[RNfaster]

I probably would not expect them to write up a self-report.

On the other hand... Where was the sharp left? Was it left in the patient's bed? Was the safety engaged? If the sharp was left open where someone (patient or a worker) might injure themselves, I might gently suggest they write up a report. I would also explain that the write up was non-punitive and a way for the individual and the institution to help prevent future occurrences.

--The only reason I MIGHT suggest a write-up would be if the sharp subjected others to possible injury. I'd also review sharps safety with the person, and explain times when individuals are more likely to be injured (when very busy or distracted), and explain the need to slow down and properly handle sharps. --I'd also explain the importance of collecting sharps after something like an IV insertion where there might be multiple needles around (I have found such items after very experienced folks).

I'd also explain the importance of controlling sharps around at-risk populations (like folks on suicide watch or folks that could present a danger to others).

NON-punitive should be the approach as I see it. --If the person repeatedly did this, I could see going the punitive route. But I really can't see it for an initial infraction.

Make it a positive learning experience.

[NightNurseRN13]

As a new grad myself (7 months experience) I think firing is way too harsh, however, that is a fundamental mistake that was made. It def. doesn't need to go without being addressed. I would want to know.