A process for selecting a safety needle system in a community teaching hospital

Healthcare workers, especially intravenous nurses, are wary of the threat of bloodborne pathogens. In light of the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), healthcare institutions must examine occupational exposures to blood and other infectious materials and investigate ways to minimize risks. The author describes the experiences of a community teaching hospital and the progressive steps involved in selecting a safety needle system.