Best way to learn IV skills?

[Sara-Allison]

What is the best way to learn IV skills? Any classes live, online, or books?

I am slow on priming a line, and on setting up the IV machine. I can do it, but it takes me way to long.

Is there a class to help new nurses with IV priming, starts, hanging blood, and iv blood draws?

[mandy13086]

There probably is somewhere, but depending where you're working, you'll get your practice in. I work a med surg floor and do most of those things every day. You just get used to it over time.

[melizerd, ASN, RN]

Repetition. Just doing it is the best way. It's fine if you take some time to prime lines etc. as your get more comfortable the "speed" will come.

Any time there is a new IV that needs to be started volunteer. Be confident about it! If you're don't get it in two tries just find someone else. I found watching others do them helped me to find my own technique as well.

[PCnurse88]

Some places will let you spend a day where all you'll do is start IVs: ED, pre-op, outpatient endo.

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

Please get a good teacher..It will save you a lot of heart ache. For beginner I would buy this I.V. Therapy Made Incredibly Easy! (Incredibly Easy! Series®): 9781605471983: Medicine & Health Science Books @ Amazon.com. Do you have a cheat sheet...all you need to do is get a very small spiral notebook (one you slide in pocket that has sturdy paper and write out the steps of the procedure and you can whip it out and review just before you do it, What pump are you using because I can write you out sample of what I am talking about. What IV cannula are you using!

[brownbook]

Perhaps you can bring home a bag of IV fluid and some tubing and practice at home in a more relaxed atmosphere? Or ask nursing education if they have IV set ups and pumps you can practice with?

[AmyRN303, BSN, RN]

Many hospitals here have training/skills labs which have hours available....don't know if this is a possibility for you, but it's a great resource.