Blood Transfusion

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Specializes in SNF, 2 year s hospital.
:jester: Happy Holidays Everyone! Today my patient was to receive 2units of blood with Lasix 20mg IV Push between. Im an LPN and the policy is that an RN is to start the transfusion. The blood arrived while things were slow and patients were attending activities so I thought it was great! However NONE of the RNs wanted to help! Ive only had 1 year hospital experience and I love hanging blood, because there are times when we may go weeks without doing it! Are some nurses afraid of hanging blood?:redbeathe
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Maybe there are somewhere..but not in my heme-onc unit! Blood is like anything else..chemo..IV antibiotics..premeds, consent, monitor, hang, monitor, take down.

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Specializes in General Surgical, Ortho, Cardiac ICU.

Hmmm....could be, I guess! If you don't do it often, it can be a bit intimidating. However, it's part of our job! I wonder what the aversion is to it???

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Specializes in Trauma Surgery, Nursing Management.

Nope, no anxiety. Just know yer stuff and you will be golden!

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Specializes in LTC, med/surg, hospice.

It's serious business but it's not as scary to me as it was when I was a new grad.

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

It's not a big deal at all.

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Specializes in Cardiac, ER.

Not a big deal where I work,..just like any other med,...not sure why they didn't offer to help.

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I think hanging blood is a big deal actually. That is why all the checks and double checks and two nurse verification. My floor has its issues but being there for another nurse when blood arrives is not one of them. When I was new it use to make me nervous but not anymore. But I agree if it is rarely done on your floor it could be intimidating.

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Specializes in Community, OB, Nursery.

I work on a postpartum floor and believe it or not, we do a fair amount of blood transfusions. It's not that big a deal. I've never had a problem finding someone to verify with me nor had a problem myself verifying with someone else.

It's a little more footwork and paperwork than regular meds, but not that uncommon. And I do usually stay with my patients for the first 15-30min. I know not everyone does; I like to catch reactions sooner rather than later. But I'm not sure why you had such problems finding someone to go with you, since someone has to verify the blood anyway.

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Specializes in Medsurg/ICU, Mental Health, Home Health.

I used to hate hanging blood, because the frequency of vitals was ridiculous. However, my healthcare system changed the protocol because it was found that more frequent vital signs didn't alert us to reactions.

My only issue is with temps...my patients LOVE to spike temps while receiving blood!

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