Sharps Injuries Among Nursing Staff: A Qualitative Study

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.