Sharps Injuries Among Nursing Staff: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background:

Injuries involving members of the nursing team are not uncommon, with sharps-related incidents being among the most frequent. Previous studies have focused on quantitative outcomes or on healthcare professionals in general, leaving a gap in understanding the subjective experiences and perspectives of nursing staff. This study aimed to explore the opinions and experiences of nursing staff regarding sharps injuries, with the goal of identifying contributing factors, gaps in current prevention strategies, and opportunities to improve occupational safety and injury-prevention practices within healthcare settings.

Methods:

This qualitative study used a descriptive phenomenological approach and included 38 nursing staff from various regions of Brazil. Participants responded to open-ended online questions between July 26 and September 11, 2025.

Findings:

Themes emerged: (1) the moment when the injuries occur, (2) factors that trigger the injuries, (3) the period following the injuries, and (4) strategies adopted to prevent new injuries. Twelve subthemes were identified.

Conclusions/Applications to Practice:

The study addresses a highly relevant issue in healthcare, as nursing staff need to prioritize their own health while caring for others. Although it does not present findings different from previous research regarding the occurrence of such injuries, its importance may lie precisely in highlighting results that remain unchanged. The study also shows that nurses often internalize blame for occupational injuries, viewing them as personal failures rather than system issues. It highlights the need for rigorous monitoring, ongoing training, consistent safety materials, and encouragement of incident reporting to strengthen collective safety and promote a positive safety culture.