[brookorrn]

Does anyone have any "cheat sheets" or lists or anything like that to help me with making sure I do IV machines right and piggybacks right? I just started a new job in a hospital and I want to be the best I can be and I need HELP! Thanks in advance!

[TazziRN]

Machines: it depends on the machines the facility uses.

Piggybacks: what is it you want to know about them?

[brookorrn]

Originally Posted by TazziRN

Machines: it depends on the machines the facility uses.

Piggybacks: what is it you want to know about them?

i am not sure what the brand or name of the machines is, i will find out and let you know. as far as piggybacks are concerned.......anything you can tell me that may help me.......any secrets you may have in remembering which meds don't mix, what lines to use, etc. maybe i am just dumb.........i feel like i know nothing when it comes to this kind of stuff.........am a new grad and feel really stupid.

[gdelrosa]

Originally Posted by RN2008LPNfirst

i am not sure what the brand or name of the machines is, i will find out and let you know. as far as piggybacks are concerned.......anything you can tell me that may help me.......any secrets you may have in remembering which meds don't mix, what lines to use, etc. maybe i am just dumb.........i feel like i know nothing when it comes to this kind of stuff.........am a new grad and feel really stupid.

I don't try to remember what meds can be combined in a line. There are reference tools in drug books. In my facility, we have Micromedex where you can plug the meds in and the program will tell you whether you can combine them in a line. If micromedex says that meds are not compatible or untested, I don't run them piggyback.

Does this answer your question?

[TazziRN]

The only piggyback not compatible with all usual IV solutions is Vanco. All others are fine with an mainline. It's when you get into concurrent lines that you have to worry....you cannot run all cardiac meds together, for example.

You don't really need cheat sheets for those, just get in the habit of looking up each med before you hang it, and before you know it you'll remember the particulars.

Your pumps should have a little cheat book hanging off of them for quick reference. Like the meds, it won't be long before you won't need it.

[TeleRNer]

If you could find someone kind at work to help you briefly figure the IV machine out...Take good notes! And provide the nice coworker a fine candybar for the help! It's no big deal for a coworker to provide a mini inservice because we all were there at one time, struggling with those darn IV pumps!

[wickedrn]

I.V. pumps can be tricky little buggers. What you don't know about ask. Take your time and walk through it. One thing to always remember is to clamp your tubing before you start hanging fluids or start a new line, or you will have a mess on your hands.
Newer machines are a lot more user friendly. Take the time to really look at the pump from front to back open it up and play with it. (one that is not being used ofcourse).

[Emmanuel Goldstein]

Micromedex is great. Also check around for this book http://www.amazon.com/2008-Intraveno...0191266&sr=8-1

Most floors I've worked have copies on hand for their staff to use, so you might not even have to buy your own. Great reference.

[deeDawntee]

I have one other tip for you:

1) RELAX!! You aren't expected to know how to use a piece of equipment that is new to you. It is OK! We all have been new at some point and let me tell you, there will always be at least one person who will be able to help you. Even after you have done it a few times, it is still OK to ask for help. I know nurses who have 20+ years of experience who continue to ask for help. Just practice these 3 words: "I need help". They will take you from novice to competence to mastery faster than anything else. All of the very best nurses I know ask for help all the time. It is part of the job. To know how to access those resources available to you will be invaluable as you continue on in your career. You are not alone. Do not be ashamed if you don't know something. We use each other as resources ALL the time.

Take a deep breath and know that you don't have to figure all of it out alone!

[confused101]

Originally Posted by mom2bears

I.V. pumps can be tricky little buggers. What you don't know about ask. Take your time and walk through it. One thing to always remember is to clamp your tubing before you start hanging fluids or start a new line, or you will have a mess on your hands.
Newer machines are a lot more user friendly. Take the time to really look at the pump from front to back open it up and play with it. (one that is not being used ofcourse).

Yes, don't forget to clamp. I have wore alot of antibiotics!