to tell or not to tell

weasie · Jul 14, 2007

It is policy at our hospital that all needle sticks are to be reported. I would definately tell......take no chances.

Good Luck

DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN · Jul 14, 2007

I got stuck by a needle- dirty, I used it to start an IV and I failed to put the safety on and I got stuck as I was putting it in the needle container. I was wearing gloves, needle had not visible blood. pt has had good prenatal care- HIV neg, Hep Neg all done at prenatal visits and the day I admitted her we repeated HIV and it was neg. I was tested and I am neg.for HIV. I am not that worried but what are the stats for getting a disease? I am vaccinated for Hep B. Also would u tell your partner? I am very sure that everything is fine but my husband will freak out! any info?

I would definately report it ASAP. You're extremely lucky that you know this patients history and that she tested negative for HIV on admit, you're vaccinated for Hep B, etc...but "always" "always" report any needle stick. Start getting in the habit now and report ASAP! Good Luck. (knowing my dh, I wouldn't tell, if something did show up you'll have plenty of time to tell him later, 99.9999% nothing will show up, no reason to upset him now) and....

TazziRN, RN · Jul 14, 2007

Always report any injury at work, because you never know when things might get worse: what if you developed a cellulitis?

As for your husband, not sure what to tell you. The first time I was stuck while with my husband he freaked out too, even threatened to not touch me until my last screen came back. I just stared at him and said "You mean you're not gonna come near me for SIX MONTHS???" (This was years ago when the exposure screens were done over 6 months instead of 3.) Now when I get stuck he just asks "Is the pt someone we have to worry about?"

allnurses Guide · Jul 14, 2007

If anything did happen (Hep & HIV aren't the only possible complications), the longer you wait to report it the harder it is to get, and possibly less coverage from, workman's comp. Always report within 24 hours!

Good luck!

HM2VikingRN, RN · Jul 14, 2007

When in doubt report it....

passionate · Jul 14, 2007

Make a formal report. The CDC should have a list of possible exposure risks and the stats. Don't keep this a secret. You didn't stick yourself on purpose it is a risk we all take while taking "care" of our patient. By keeping quiet you give the message that you can read a pts chart and know what the outcome of that stick will be--YOU CAN'T, You may discourage some other nurse from speaking up when she is hurt, You may lose the trust of your manager or others. No matter how you look at this YOU NEED TO TELL. You don't practice alone--you have a big "nursehood" out here

rnmomtobe2010 · Jul 14, 2007

I would sing like a bird. Accidents do happen. Good Luck.

Blee O'Myacin, BSN, RN · Jul 14, 2007

If the tables were turned, wouldn't you want your partner to tell you? Even if all was OK? Just my opinion here, but that's not something you hide. What if it turns out not to be OK and you have to tell him then?

As for work, you definately need to report it as well. These things happen all the time. I stuck myself for the first time recently. It was stupid and I considered for a minute just not telling anyone. I felt like crap (emotionally), and my coworkers, NM, the infection control RN (protocol at my hospital) and everyone else was super supportive and made me feel a lot better. (Small ICU, everyone knew in a matter of minutes).

Right after I had my blood drawn, I was on the phone with my husband.

Blee

GeminiTwinRN, BSN · Jul 14, 2007

yes, definitely tell! HIV and hepB certainly aren't the only dx that can result from a dirty needle stick!

most likely, you're fine, but always err on the side of caution. i'm glad you have 2 neg hiv tests on the pt, btw. :)

be safe, be sure!