Safety syringes

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I won't mention the name of this syringe, I don't think I'm supposed to, but I am wondering if any of you would know what I'm talking about.

It's an insulin syringe and the needle retracts into the syringe when the injection is finished.

The safety aspect is great, but I spend so much time trying to get all the air out.

I work and work with it, but it takes alot of time trying to get it to where I think the dose is accurate.

I noticed my facility has them for IM , also, and I used one last night for a phenergan injection, and it seemed okay, but the insulin I have to draw up sometime is such a small dose, like 3U, it's hard to get it where it looks correct.

Am I being overly concerned with this or are there others who feel this way?

I have no other choice for insulin syringes...it's all they buy.

Any tips for working with these type syringes?

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Specializes in Home Health, Psyc, OR.

I know exactly what you are talking about! The last place I worked only used them. We did not have them for IM, only insulin. I did not like them because of the bubbles. Like you said the safety aspect was great but it is not easy to get the bubbles out.

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Specializes in Med Surg, ER, OR.

Speaking about insulin syringes...does anyone actually draw up the insulin at the bedside as Joint commission wants us to? i know i dont because I dont the time to do so. And everyone is on different insulins these days. Just curious...

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I don't draw insulin up at the bedside because I have to have another nurse witness it and they certainly don't have time to be dragged into the room and watch me do it. I draw it up, show them the syringe and the bottle, and then go give it.

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Specializes in Pedi Rehab,Pediatrics, PICU.

I know what you're talking about. I've found that if I draw up more than I need, give the syringe a good flick to get the ubbles to the top, the with the vial still inverted, I push back what I don't need to get the right dose w/ none to a tiny bubble. Hope this helps. I just don't like having to push the syringe so hard to get the needle to retract.

:smiletea2:

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

Almost all of the safety features from every mfg has this problem. Someone needs to build a better mousetrap.

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Okay, well thanks for the replies to my question. At least I know it's not just me.

I suppose I'll just keep having to deal with it and do the best I can!

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Specializes in Acute Care.

I hate those syringes as well. Did hear a rumor that a small bubble is actually intended, so the full dose of insulin is injected and none is left in the needle. *shrug*

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