According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hospital-based healthcare personnel sustain approximately 385,000 needlestick (NSI) and sharps-related injuries (SI) every year. Nurses are the most at risk, suffering 49.9 percent of these types of injuries. NSIs and SIs put healthcare professionals at risk for hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and more. By knowing the facts and understanding how to prevent and treat these injuries, you can protect yourself and ensure a safer work environment.
Just the Facts
- What are they? A needle stick injury is an accidental skin-penetrating stab wound from a hollow-bore needle (or any sharp) with another person’s blood or body fluid. Sharps injury is a skin-penetrating stab wound caused by sharp instruments and accidents in a medical setting.
- They’re common: Occupational needlestick and sharps injuries can happen in any workplace, but they’re prevalent among healthcare workers.
- Disposal is critical: Studies show that up to one-third of all sharps injuries occur during disposal. Nurses are particularly at risk, sustaining the most needlestick injuries.
- Safe disposal and reporting: Dispose of all sharps and needles in facility-provided designated receptacles. Report any needlesticks immediately to your employer following facility protocol.
Prevention
- Be prepared: Anticipate risk and keep your work area well-lit and organized.
- Minimize distractions: Avoid unnecessary distractions when handling and disposing of needles and other sharps.
- Don’t Rush: Focus on the task.
- Use safety devices: Utilize safety features on facility-provided devices and wear protective equipment.
- Avoid recapping needles.
- Cut risk: Avoid injuries by eliminating the unnecessary use of needles, using devices with safety features, and promoting education and safe work practices for handling needles and related systems.
Responding to a Needlestick or Sharps Injury
- Clean the wound: Wash the area with plenty of soap and running water as soon as possible. “Milk” the area slightly to encourage some bleeding, but do not scrub.
- Dress the wound: Dry the wound and cover it with a clean dressing.
- Report and Follow-Up: When a worker reports an exposure incident promptly, the employer can arrange for an immediate medical evaluation of the worker. Early reporting is crucial for beginning immediate intervention to address possible infection and can also help the worker avoid spreading bloodborne infections to others.
- Alert: Make sure to notify your recruiter so that the Human Resources Department can be made aware and be prepared to offer resources and support.
MedPro International is headed to a city near YOU in 2024!
Ready to start YOUR American Dream? Learn how MedPro International assists qualified candidates through all the necessary steps to qualify for and work in the United States, including Green Card sponsorship for a candidate and their family. MedProU prepares candidates for success in their licensure and English exams as well as life and work in the US. Candidates receive a premium hourly wage with periodic pay raises, a comprehensive benefits package, and a sign-on bonus at the start of their U.S. assignment.
Kick-start your American dream. Visit https://www.medprointernational.com/apply/ to complete a brief application, and a Recruiter will contact you right away.