Reflective Essay on Safe Handling and Disposal of Sharps in Clinical Practice

Running head: REFLECTION
Reflective essay
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1REFLECTION
Introduction- The prime objective of writing this reflective essay is to demonstrate a
deeper understanding of my perceptions and attitude towards an incident that occurred during
my clinical placement, related to administration of injection and its safe disposal (Allan and
Driscoll 2014). The discussion will appraise the concept of handling instruments such as,
needles, syringes, and sharps while delivering care to a patient, in order to prevent injuries or
adverse effects. This essay will comprise of an analysis of the placement incident using the
Driscoll’s model of reflection (Bulman 2013). A rationale will also be provided for the
incident and the steps that I can implement in future.
What- During my undergraduate nursing practice at the University, I had the
opportunity to begin my professional experience placement at an urban hospital where the
tutor and the lecturer had emphasised on learning the appropriate management of sharps.
Sharps refer to all forms of biomedical instruments that have the capability of lacerating or
puncturing the skin (Ford 2014). We were taught about the adverse effects of these bio-
hazardous wastes and told that they must always be carefully handled. Moreover, I also learnt
from the lecturer that needles and syringes must never be recapped for disposal, and must be
placed in sharp disposal containers. Furthermore, we were also asked to access the website
governed by the Australian Government that had safety guidelines for handling sharps.
However, I encountered a problem during my placement.
The registered nurse (RN) who was supervising me asked me to administer insulin
injection to a patient. Following injection of insulin, I realised that I had forgotten to bring
along a disposable tray/kidney dish. This made me panic. Upon realising my problem, I was
advised by the RN to recap the needle. However, being aware of the serious health
complications associated with needle recapping, I decided not to listen to her commands.
This made the RN angry and disappointed and she began shouting at me. This added to my

2REFLECTION
distress and made me tremble while recapping it. The needle accidentally punctured my left
thumb and made the RN infuriated at the possibility to spread of disease to my body.
So what- Initially I was extremely sceptical to administer insulin to the concerned
patient since I was well aware of the fact that incorrect administration of insulin can result in
serious and/or transient hyper or hypoglycaemia, diabetic ketoacidosis and glycemic
excursions (Ji and Lou 2014). My anxiety can be attributed to the fact that I became
conscious of the guidelines that needs to be followed during handling and disposal of sharps.
My further distress was caused when I realised my mistake of not bringing along a kidney
dish for the disposal of the needle. It is a well-known fact that standard measures that need to
adhered to, for avoiding sharp injuries include proper handling of sharp devices and
discarding them in a way that is able to prevent injury to all (Department of Health 2018).
Furthermore, upon being asked to recap the needle, I became more anxious. Prior clinical
knowledge had helped in gaining a sound understanding of why recapping needles are
dangerous. The instructions provided by the RN were in clear contrast with my values and
thinking since during recapping the needle might pierce the cap and stab the finger in which it
is held. Furthermore, a cap that poorly fits on the top of the needle might slip off and stab the
finger (Phillips et al., 2013). The conversation with the RN made me feel concerned, upset
and apprehensive. This could be attributed to the fact that while accessing the government
website during the PEP, it was learnt that hepatitis C, hepatitis B and HIV are commonly
acquired from needle-stick injuries (Education.qld.gov.au 2012). Moreover, the website also
stated that midwives and nursing professionals are found at a high rate for sharps and needle-
stick injuries, which in turn increases their exposure to blood-borne diseases.
Thus, I interpreted that the RN was not adequately following the sharps safety
guidelines that must be practiced in clinical settings. This further made me interpret that the
RN did not abide by the codes of professional practice that are imperative for any healthcare