Giving injections question....

The other day when I got my flu vaccine I asked the nurse to please draw it up with a separate needle and she looked at me like I was crazy. The other 3 nurses sitting with us had never heard of it either. We were taught that if you draw up meds with a diff needle that you admin with- it keeps the needle sharper and less painful. In my 3 years as a nurse- I always do this. (except tuberculin and insulin needles- as there isn't an option)

So- thoughts? Do you change needles? Have you really never heard of this? I was told I was wasting resources.
Never heard of this. Sounds expensive and a waste of resources. I have found that painless injections are 90% technique, 10% materials.

Absolutley was taught that and do it every time. If drawing up from a glass ampule, then I use a filtered draw needle and then change it to an appropriate sized needle for the injection.If drawing from a rubber topped vial, I use either a non filtered draw needle or an extra regular needle and then change it an appropriate size and gauge for the injection.I thought it was common practice as well?

Quote from Asystole RNNever heard of this. Sounds expensive and a waste of resources. I have found that painless injections are 90% technique, 10% materials.

Quote from OgopogoLPNAbsolutley was taught that and do it every time. If drawing up from a glass ampule, then I use a filtered draw needle and then change it to an appropriate sized needle for the injection.If drawing from a rubber topped vial, I use either a non filtered draw needle or an extra regular needle and then change it an appropriate size and gauge for the injection.I thought it was common practice as well?

Quote from AprilRNurseI figured an occasional nurse either forgot, or didn't bother. I was shocked to find that I was the odd one though with this practice. I don't plan on changing it- unless I get a memo stating it isn't hospital policy. We use tuberculin syringes to give sub q heparin, and hate not changing the needle. I swear I can feel it go in differently- it just doesn't feel as sharp to me.

http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/27/2/617.long

Twenty years ago...I was not taught to change the needle. They are made from hardened steel and it requires more than penetrating a rubber stopper once to dull them.

in nursing, needles are pretty much like minds...you'd want them as sharp as possible...

I wasn't taught to switch needles unless of course it was a filter needle.Hmmm....but I rarely give IM injections so may be out out touch.

I remember being taught this, too. Was also told the drug left on the needle could irritate. Draw it up with the largest needle you can use, I like the idea of using a filter needle, then give with the smallest possible needle. It's been an eon since I gave an IM, but I would change the needle.

I have given 50 flu shots to employees this week. Never once changed a needle (never heard of doing this). At least 75% made a specific comment on how painless their injection was. All in the technique.

I have heard of doing it too. I don't normally change my needle, but depending on the circumstances I sometimes do. Or I'll use a blunt needle to draw up my med, then switch to the sharp needle.