Was I wrong to say anything?

wooh, BSN, RN · Nov 30, 2004

As for the bent needle, how did you approach this? Was it along the lines of saying in front of the patient, "That needle's bent, aren't you going to change it?" (comes off as you're a know-it-all and she's incompetent) or was it more along the lines of, "Is the needle bent or is it just the angle I'm at? I can get you another if you tell me what size you need." (comes off as you're helpful and giving her an out so she doesn't look incompetent.) My feeling is that unless it will kill the patient, never say anything in front of the patient that is unflattering about another caregiver's work, and if it will kill the patient, still find a way to say it in a way that isn't unflattering as long as you're in front of the patient. Once away from the patient, still try to not sound unflattering. Make it more of a, "I've always thought this, why did you do it this way?" Especially if you're approaching someone that's more educated or experienced than you. A lot of times, they know something you don't. Nothing pisses people off more than being told how to do their job. Especially by someone that doesn't have to do it.

no er holds · Nov 30, 2004

Last time I checked, alcohol pads should not be used prior to accuchecks due to an alteration in the Blood Glucose levels (due to mixing with alcohol from the pad)...we don't even stock alcohol pads anywhere near accucheck machines :rolleyes:

Trauma Columnist · Nov 30, 2004

Okay - I looked around to find some info about the use of alcohol pads and accu-checks and here is what I found:

"How do I measure my blood sugar level?

Follow your doctor's advice and the directions that come with the test strips (and the glucose meter, if you're using one). In general, you will follow the steps below. Check with your doctor for advice specifically for you.

1. Get out a test strip.

2. Use an alcohol pad to clean the finger that you're going to prick."

This is from the "family doctor in cooperation with the American Diabetes Association."

In home care - pts usually do not use alcohol pads, just soap and water, because its so drying. However, in an institution such as a hospital or long term care setting, it is appropriate to use alcohol pads. As to the bent needle, I've been a nurse a while and I've never seen a bent needle unless I goofed and somehow managed to access the vial too close to the edge. However, it was readily apparent and of course, I changed the needle. Does this help to clarify? I would approach this nurse and ask her why it was done this way.

DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN · Nov 30, 2004

I'm the nurse, your the aid, mind your own business'. Of course I don't want any problems at work, but it isn't fair to the patient, any suggestions on what I might be able to do?

I think saying anything in the room in front of the patient is soooo wrong, however, with that said... I think giving an injection w/o an alcohol prep and with a bent needle defineately needs to be reported to the charge nurse. If this nurse has bad habits they need to be addressed. I shutter to think she's probably not using alcohol when accessing a central line or picc line.

TracyB,RN, RN · Nov 30, 2004

I used to work for an allergist many years ago, & obviously have seen & used lots of needles....We would get several bent needles a week. We're not talking just a little crooked, we are talking 90 degree angle bent with needle poking through the cap, on occasion.

I personally have never used a bent needle on a patient. Now, if it was a desperate time, calling for a desperate measure, & the bent needle was the ONLY needle left in the facility, I MIGHT use it...

But I would have approached the nurse when the pt was not within earshot & played it off, like Wooh suggested.... more as a helpful thing.

southern_rn_brat · Nov 30, 2004

a bent needle could easily break off in the patient's skin

Blackcat99 · Nov 30, 2004

If I was the CNA I would keep quiet. Some nurses I have known become highly offended when questioned by CNA's. I knew a nurse who got a CNA fired because she was questioning things the nurse was doing.Please be careful. Right or Wrong , the nurse is in charge and can make your work life miserable. Good luck.

rngreenhorn · Nov 30, 2004

I can't count the number of times I put the cap back of our insulin syringes and bend the needle. It is very annoying because the needles do not detach. So, I have throw that syringe away, get a new one, have another RN double check, etc. But, it's not just me, all the nurses do it with these syringes. I don't know the brand name, but the syringes have little orange caps. Maybe others have the same problem?

rjflyn, ASN, RN · Nov 30, 2004

As far as the bent needle, never- tells me it may not be sterile or has been used. As far as alcohol with accu-check it is true most patients dont use it at home. It is also true that it can dilute the blood and change the result, so one needs to let it dry or wipe the are with a sterile 2x2 to get area dry. Rj:rolleyes:

KrisV27 · Nov 30, 2004

It is not necessary to use alcohol pads if the hands have just been washed. But that's not always practical. Most facilities require you to use an alcohol pad since, especially in LTC, you never know where your patients hands have been. As long as you wait for it to dry the results will be accurate. I would go to your supervisor or someone who might care and express your concern. You are probably not the only one who has concerns about this woman. But yes, be careful, this broad seems like she has a few screws loose, putting a bent needle in someone and all. She might try to get you fired.

allele, LPN · Nov 30, 2004

I can't count the number of times I put the cap back of our insulin syringes and bend the needle. It is very annoying because the needles do not detach. So, I have throw that syringe away, get a new one, have another RN double check, etc. But, it's not just me, all the nurses do it with these syringes. I don't know the brand name, but the syringes have little orange caps. Maybe others have the same problem?

Yup, we've had the same problem!! I can't remember if the needles are B-D or some other brand. I used to bend needles a lot more often, I've slowed down when capping it now, just to avoid the aggravation of drawing up again!!

In our facility we use alcohol preps, but dry before getting sample; and I'd NEVER use a bent needle on a patient!! Forgetting the possible dangers of doing it, it must be SO uncomfortable for the poor patient! Anway, I agree with RN1976Nurse, it should probably be reported to the charge nurse, let them sort it out!

:)