Blood Draws

[jcarl12]

Newer RN needing some advice...

I work the night shift at a rehabilitation and short stay facility. As part of my nightly duties, I am supposed to draw and send in any labs that may be ordered by the primary. I absolutely dread coming to work seeing the lab book packed full of blood draws that I need to do. After having absolutely no experience (aside from one draw in clinicals on a school dummy) I need some helpful advice and hints from you pros out there! There's nothing worse than missing all of your draws. It is so frustrating and has taken quite the toll on my confidence. I feel like I'll never get the hang of it

[HHN2472]

I feel your pain. As a home health nurse I draw blood (in the patient's home no less, so no help) on a daily basis. I have gotten to where it is second nature, however if I can't get it, as much I fear they are going to be mad, I will fish for it. If you give up before you take the needle out, then you cut yourself short. Take a breath when you don't see the flash, and then fish for it. Eventually you will get it nearly every time. Good luck to you.