Gold Standard Ep 2 -Vitals and Veins

Episode 2: Gold Standard After a sharps injury, every minute matters, but what should actually happen next? In this episode of *Vitals and Veins*, Nichelle and Kirsten walk through what an ideal occupational exposure response looks like, from the moment the injury occurs through reporting, source patient testing, employee evaluation, follow-up care, and documentation. Using both professional knowledge and real-world experience, they discuss why standardized protocols exist, where systems often break down, and how timely communication and clear procedures can make an incredibly stressful situation more manageable for everyone involved. Whether you're a student preparing for your first clinical experience or a seasoned healthcare professional, this episode offers practical insight into what the gold standard should look like and why it matters. Topics include: • Immediate response after a sharps injury • Reporting procedures and documentation • Source patient testing and consent • Baseline and follow-up employee testing • Occupational health and emergency department considerations • Communication and chain of responsibility • Common process failures and opportunities for improvement Understanding the protocol is important. Having a system that truly supports healthcare workers is even more important.