Update on Needlestick and Sharps Injuries

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

health & safety

american journal of nursing - august, 2004 - volume 104, issue 08

update on needlestick and sharps injuries

the needle stick safety and prevention act of 2000

by mary foley, ms, rn

...recent evidence has revealed a 51% reduction in percutaneous injuries when safer devices are used. nurses must be firm in demanding the protections they are entitled to by law--it's imperative that frontline workers become involved in their own work settings to determine how and which devices are selected, as well as who is selecting them. also, nurses must insist on proper training and tools to ensure successful and safe care for patients and health care workers....

http://nursingworld.org/ajn/2004/aug/health.htm

[ktwlpn, LPN]

now if we can just get those sharps containers emptied in a timely manner-instead of waiting until the used syringes are going back up out of the top....I seem to always follow that nurse that has to shove that last one in there....