Feeling Conflicted

Dear ANCHR,
I am a nurse on a medicine unit in Edmonton. 
What should I do if I find a used syringe in one of my client's bed's?
I want to be a supportive nurse but I'm frustrated that I was put at risk since I could have given myself a needle-stick injury and don't know what to do now.
Sincerely, 
Feeling Conflicted

Dear Feeling Conflicted, 
Great question! We understand that you are wanting to provide positive nursing care but that you are conflicted regarding the possible risk to your own (and possibly others) health related to a needle stick injury.
Here are some suggestions that could help you next time you encounter a situation like this again!

If you are comfortable, pick up the syringe with gloves or tongs, from the plunger side of the needle and dispose of it safely in a sharps container
The next step may be to consider asking some of the following questions. 

• "Why is this client using their own substances while in acute care?" 
  • ​Does the client have unmanaged pain? Do a pain assessment, health history or head to toe assessment
• Could we make a safety plan that would involve the client while they are in the hospital and which would be consistent?
  • ​This care plan can include providing, harm reduction supplies, a naloxone kit, portable sharps container  or connecting the client to supervised consumption sites (depending on the care setting/city)

​                *If the client is at the Royal Alex Hospital in Edmonton, reach out and connect with the ARCH team *

​This syringe may be a chance to open up the conversation with the client about safer consumption options, build rapport and provide relational care with your client. It may also prevent similar instances in the future. 
In this situation, try to remember that the client may be worried about stigma or discrimination for using illegal substances while in acute care. Try to approach this client with respect and acknowledgement of these possible fears but also set parameters for your and their safety. 

​Thank you for your question!
Sincerely, 
ANCHR