Worried about something

You definatly need counseling, and don't be ashamed to ask for it. This is a very real fear to you and needs to be addressed ASAP. And you probably know that there are more things than HIV to worry about, so don't let this consume you without trying to work it out. Most hospitals and corporations have Employee Assistance benefits that can help you get started, completely confidential. It's often a little-known benefit that few take advantage of....

Sounds like you know what the problem is. How do you ask when you make an appointment? Just say "I'm having a problem coping with specific situations at work and I need to speak to someone about it."

I do think you need to talk this out with someone. I think it's normal to be wary of needlesticks from any patient. It is abnormal to obsess for days about an injection given without incident.

In the first place, the risk of acquiring HIV from a needle stick is extremely small - which doesn't mean that you can be careless.

Second, I seriously doubt you can get stuck and not know it - not unless you have leprosy or peripheral neuropathy. A needle stick hurts.

After 16 years of nursing I had my first needle stick a couple of months ago - it was a Lovenox needle that barely broke the skin. I almost didn't report it, but I figured I'd get a free HIV and Hep C test out of the deal.

A friend of mine got stuck with a needle she had just used on a patient who died of AIDS the next day. I went to the ED with her and listened to the ED doc explain her risks. He laughed when he saw the wound and told her not to worry. She took the drugs, which made her sick as a dog.

I suggest you look up the stats on the number of health care providers who have acquired HIV infection on the job and the mechanism by which they became infected - relatively few nurses have acquired HIV infection through a needle stick injury.

As for your question about a MHP and your 'paranoia,' most hospitals have an employee assistance program. Call the number, it's completely confidential, and they can set you up with someone to talk to. I did it a couple of years ago when I was going through a rough time and got hooked up with a therapist - and I'm very glad I did.

Definately check to see if you have an employee assistance program, many times they give you a certain number of sessions free.

Definately do some research, sometimes seeing the cold hard facts help to negate fears.

Hold your head high, do what you need to do. :icon_hug:

Hi,

I would definately talk to someone about it, you need not be apprehensive about working with these patients, but you do need help to resolve your thoughts and feelings in relation to this.

Back in the eighties when I just arrived in CA, HIV/AIDS was just exploding. I was nervous too, and would'nt you know it, I stuck myself with a HIV+ blood filled needle and syringe. I was besides myself, but not half as panicky as my coworkers. I didnt want to report it, because I was embrassed. The poor patient was so upset for me also. Eventually I went to ER to be seen and have labs drawn. I am happy to say that I never converted. The stats for conversion are really low.

I also remember a nurse that I trained with who suffered terribly like your self about patients with cancer, her placement on the oncology unit was a nightmare for her, for although she knew and stated she knew she could not catch cancer - her mind over ran, she knew she was being irrational about it but could not stop herself. I stil remember her fear after all these years, so I can imagine how hard it is for you. Please seek some counselling, and do not be embarassed about it. You and your patients will be all the better for it.

Good luck