Changing practice for experienced nurses

Ask your administrators to write a policy for giving IM injections. We use to give phenergan IV, but now we can only give it PO or IM; a notice went out from pharmacy.

Focus on re-education with inservices and powerpoints. We have even done read and signs but have to demonstrate a certain skill back, such as heelsticks, etc. Also supply any EBP articles you have.

I agree with Esme that just because you go to a nursing floor and say, "I know you've been giving injections in the dorso-glueal site for 25 years, but that's not the best way to do it. The best way to do it is in the ventro-gluteal." It doesn't mean that the experienced nurses are going to change their practice. The thing is, they've learned what works and what doesn't work in their 25 years. Hands on experiences are better than an article posted in the bathroom that explains the new evidence-based practice.

Having the unit enact a policy that specifically states that IM injections cannot be given in the dorso-gluteal site is probably the only way to affect change.

i mean no offense......after successfully giving injections for 34 years, i won't change. i don't like the ventrogluteal site at all. i am willing to learn anything and change if it is better. this isn't better by a long shot....jmho.

the reason they don't use the dorsal gluteal site used is because of the risk of hitting the sciatic nerve.

changer or not. i prefer evidence based nursing...thats what is best...imho

As one on the receiving end I want IM injections given to me in the DG site. If a nurse wants to use the VG location and won't accommodate me then I'll refuse the shot. New practice or not I enter into the decision especially since the DG location has been around since the beginnings of IM injections.