Rant!

[Rowan CedarWolf]

Okay, so on Wednesday I had a needlestick, a patient's 14g fistula needle came out unexpectedly, I used gauze to put pressure over the cannulation site, to stop the bleeding. In doing so I could not see where the needle tip was and it went through the gauze and into my finger. This is the second time I have had a needle stick in the last 2 1/2 years,the first was while I was in training at this clinic. I am on the cocktail meds ( oh joy, but here's the rant, I asked the charge nurse to come over as assess the situation prior to the needle coming out. She came looked walked away and came back after the needle came out. Had she actually told me how she wanted to handle it when I asked this would not have happened. Now because this is the second time this has happened in the last 2 1/2 years I have to fill out a s*** load more paper work and be "re trained" in using the safety guards on the needles, which weren't even an option of using considering that that I didn't know the needle was going to come out, and I will be monitored I was told by my administrator that "this is your second needle stick in 2 years this really doesn't look good for you" What the hell is that about? So I am going to be reprimanded for something that wasn't my fault?! THis just really pisses me off! So how do I handle my administrator? I have already explained how this happened, but all she says is "this came down from corporate, Blah blah blah!
Just had to get that out
So it's all about the company covering thier ass, no how are you feeling, are you okay? LIke this is my idea of a good time right?! Jeesh

[Crescent Moon]

First I hope you're doing okay Rowan.  Secondly I'm sorry tht they weren't at all concerned for your safety and were more concerned about company policy instead. ;(

[Sorsha]

Oh Boy! You know Rowan, this type of thing happens and there are many cases where you just have no control over the situation or, there was no other way to handle it! I would be more concerned about you getting tested for HIV and/or Hep C! I'm sure they probably do that but, just in case they don't, get on top of that! 

Why isn't the charge nurse getting blame for this?  That is partially why she is there! I'm sure she makes more bank than you for adding the "charge" in her title! She should be doing more to earn it and part of that not only includes looking out for the patients she's got, but her staff she oversees as well! Was anyone else around that saw you question her first? Seems like you did the right thing and I would have to wonder if it wasn't SHE who dropped the ball on this one! 

Most of the work I've done with needles has been in equine veterinary practice and many of the horses I've had to stick were either hyped up show horses or babies....THERE's a good time! 

I know it sucks that you got the whole, "this came from upstairs" speech and I feel really bad that you will have to go through the aggravation of having someone standing over top of you for the next however long that will be! (Personally, I'd be more prone to making more mistakes in that situation!)Hopefully, the whole mess will pass quickly for you. Try not to stress over it too much. I mean, I'm sure you didn't do that on purpose. Hang in there!
*hugs*
~~Sorsha~~

[Lark]

Yep, it sucks when things like that come down from corporate.  All they care about is their legal risks should you come down with HIV and file a Work Comp claim on them.  Sadly there is nothing you can do about it, nor is there anything even the Administrator can do about it.  All you can do is grit your teeth and go through the steps that they are required to by company policy.  That's not a lot of needle sticks to have in two years, I've seen much worse.

But I hope that you are OK and nothing comes of this health-wise.  Oh for the good old days when a needle stick wasn't such a risk!  Keep your chin up and keep us posted.

-Lark-

[Rowan CedarWolf]

My blood work came back and all is well for me except I am anemic . I can handle that! The patient is negative as well so I am in the clear and do not need to take the meds anymore! yay!!! 

I know I have to suck it up and deal with the corporate crap, I just seemed really s***ty to 1. tell me the way she did, using the words she used "this doesn't look good for you" 2. for an administrator talks teamwork all the time, it would have been nice if she had at least backed me up. This is what really pissed me off. And I do plan on talking to her about this on Friday. Why didnt' she back up her staff? That just hit me the wrong way.

[angelrn]

Wow, there is a lot of places I could go w/ this one. 
First off, glad to hear that everything is a ok.  Second, from what I've read, your boss is nasty.  I don't think it would do you any good to confront her.  There are so many things you could do, but knowing what I do of the situation I suggest to suck it up for a while.  There may be a better time and place for it.  Working as an RN in a large hospital w/ corporate and all that blah, blah, blah; I can appreciate the stress of what you are going through.  It's just a numbers game to them.  They don't see the patients, take care of them, wipe their tears (and other parts ), or laugh w/ them.  Will they ever understand anything we think or feel? No, that is just not how their minds are programmed.
OK so I'm starting to rant a little of my own.
You are right though, it stinks that she didn't say anything to you about how you were, I just hope it doesn't bite you in the behind since you are in such a sensitive position at the moment.
BB
Mary

[Zenon]

this seems so "medical", I have no idea of what to do in this case!  I just hope you don't have any more trouble.  interesting post 

[Nephi_Lynne]

OMGosh...I'm totally sorry that all happened to ya. Glad to hear your in the clear though.

I don't know what else to say that has not already been said.. hang in there friend. 

[Rowan CedarWolf]

The HIV screen on patient came in he's negative so I can now stop the meds! yay! Get this, The results came in thursday morning, I didn't find out until 1:00pm yesterday! And then she didn't come to me, I went and asked her how much longer she thought it would take for the results to come in and she says to me "oh yeah, in fact they came in yesterday everythings clear." So if I hadn't asked her I still wouldn't know! What a ______(insert negative adjective here) I mean how wrong is that?! If it had been her waiting for results she would have wanted them right away! Any how I have officially requested a transfer to another dialysis clinic, I can't work with a supervisior who has such little consideration for her staff. So thats the update. Wish me luck on the transfer!

[Labrys]

Good luck...a better place and SOON!

[Nephi_Lynne]

oh man!!! Good luck on getting the transfer!

       

[Crescent Moon]

Best wishes on the transfer hon.  Let us know when you get it.: )  Glad the tests are negative. 

[Still Kate]

Hi Rowan,
        I'm glad everything worked out ok on the test results .... its relief, and believe me I know, I've been in the same situation with a body piercing needle.

Just a though but I'd report your Supervisor, if for nothing else but for the next person who works at the clinic.   You should not be treated like this and a report should be made about the incident from the start regarding you asking for her to look at the needle site and her flippant attitude of walking away.

Good luck with finding a new clinic, I'll keep you in my thoughts with this situation.
Blessings
Kate. xx