Sharps cuts and injuries from scalpels, suture needles, and other sharps are a significant occupational hazard for staff in hospitals and healthcare facilities, leading to long-term impacts on physical and psychological health. This is especially true for those working in Operating Rooms, which are high-pressure environments where sharps are used frequently. To combat occupational injuries, …
Sharps Injuries and the COVID-19 Pandemic
What research conducted throughout the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us about sharps injuries in Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Key Points According to a 2021 European Biosafety Network study, sharps injuries surged by 23% during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Royal College of Nursing’s report found that the number of sharps …
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Staff Safety is Patient Safety
When staff are safe, they are better able to provide safe care to their patients. Conversely, when staff are unsafe or stressed, they are more likely to make mistakes, which can lead to patient harm. There are a number of ways in which staff safety and patient safety are interconnected. For example: Staff safety can …
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Game Changer for Nurses and Midwives Te Whatu Ora
Te Whatu Ora, the public health agency of the New Zealand government, has given their nurses and midwives SnapIT Ampoule Openers to reduce their risk of ampoule cuts. The agency is responsible for running the health system across new Zealand – servicing local, district, regional, and national levels. Nurses and Midwives Nurses and Midwives make …
Personal Story: Sharps Injury As A New Operating Room Nurse
Sharps injuries can happen anytime in the operating room. We’ve recently gotten in touch with a nurse that had a sharps cut when they were just starting out. Here’s what happened and how the incident has affected them: As a new grad and learning a ton of new skills, my focus was on trying to …
What Nurses Need To Know About Sharps Injuries
Sharp injuries has always been a concern in the healthcare industry and in particular, nurses. Nurses are at high risk of being exposed to sharps, including needles, scalpels, and other sharp objects, in their daily work routines. This can result in serious and potentially life-threatening injuries, as well as emotional and psychological trauma. In this …