Posted on Oct 16, 2015
Why do you think a health care professional (HCP) reused needles at a flu shot clinic?
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Why do you think a health care professional (HCP) would "accidentally" do this, and how was it possible that she could use the same needle 259 times before someone noticed? I can see 1, and I doubt it, but maybe 2 accidentally, but 259??? Really??? I'm aware that there is not much to the story, but what are your thoughts about why this HCP that would do such a thing?
A Georgia nurse is under investigation after being caught administrating flu shots with out changing needles. According to the Health Department in Macon, Georgia, the nurse gave the flu shot to 259 people. At least 6 of those people had HIV and 11 had Hepatitis. The Health Department has requested that everyone who received a flu shot at the location come back for HIV and Hepatitis testing over the next few months. Officials are working diligently to contact everyone who received a flu shot that day. The state Attorney General’s office has announced that even though no charges have been made towards the nurse, he license has been suspended.
“We are terribly sorry for our nurse not following proper protocol when administrating a vaccination. We are working to train our staff better and we accept full responsibility for the nurse’s negligence” says the director, Dr Lynn Hamford.
The clinic has yet to reveal whether any criminal charges will be brought forth to the nurse because of his negligence.
Hundreds are expected to return to the clinic for free testing. Unfortunately for the patients, it could take months for HIV to be detected so many will have to wait anxiously.
A Georgia nurse is under investigation after being caught administrating flu shots with out changing needles. According to the Health Department in Macon, Georgia, the nurse gave the flu shot to 259 people. At least 6 of those people had HIV and 11 had Hepatitis. The Health Department has requested that everyone who received a flu shot at the location come back for HIV and Hepatitis testing over the next few months. Officials are working diligently to contact everyone who received a flu shot that day. The state Attorney General’s office has announced that even though no charges have been made towards the nurse, he license has been suspended.
“We are terribly sorry for our nurse not following proper protocol when administrating a vaccination. We are working to train our staff better and we accept full responsibility for the nurse’s negligence” says the director, Dr Lynn Hamford.
The clinic has yet to reveal whether any criminal charges will be brought forth to the nurse because of his negligence.
Hundreds are expected to return to the clinic for free testing. Unfortunately for the patients, it could take months for HIV to be detected so many will have to wait anxiously.
Posted in these groups: 
Health and Wellness
Nurse
Country of GeorgiaCenters for Disease Control and Prevention
Health and Wellness Nurse Country of GeorgiaCenters for Disease Control and Prevention
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 8
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I can only think of two reasons a health care person would do this.
1. using or selling(drug related) or 2. Just too lazy to open a new package.
With either he/she should be unemployed and never again have a license.
1. using or selling(drug related) or 2. Just too lazy to open a new package.
With either he/she should be unemployed and never again have a license.
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This was not an accident.
Pending any revelations about early dementia setting in with this nurse, I can't see any way a routine protocol would be disregarded that many times without intent. Handling sharps is one of the first thing a nurse learns.
Pending any revelations about early dementia setting in with this nurse, I can't see any way a routine protocol would be disregarded that many times without intent. Handling sharps is one of the first thing a nurse learns.
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"The state Attorney General’s office has announced that even though no charges have been made towards the nurse, he license has been suspended"....DO WHAT??? Well there's going to be additional people standing in the GA unemployment line from this hospital. One should be under the jail for this, and if this happened this time, how many times has it gone unnoticed before?
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1SG (Join to see)
I don't believe that lawsuits should be a lottery ticket, but this case screams lawsuit. That is criminal neglect on the part of the nurse, and woefully inadequate supervision on the part of the provider.
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SSG Warren Swan
1SG (Join to see) - I agree with you, but I'm trying to wrap my head around the "why" part of this. I can't understand how stupid can someone be while passing a needle from one person to another, effectively ending someone's life as they knew it if they come back HIV positive.
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