Embarrassing Problem

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I have an embarrassing problem. I have trouble with IVs. Like sometimes I have trouble aiming. Anyone else have this problem. Anyone have advice?

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Some of us haven't even done a single IV since graduating. Not a big issue unless you work in a setting where you are doing them frequently. And if you are in such a setting, you'll get plenty of practice anyways.

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I've asked really good IV starters to come watch me insert and critique me after the fact (out of the patient's presence).

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I'm pretty good at them, and still I have my bad days.

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Specializes in ER.

IVs are a skill that takes practice. I would consider going a little bit below where you want to go and then up. Like maybe half a cm below the great vein that you want to do.

Also, make sure you are comfortable holding the IV correctly. As weird as it is, I usually have to remind new IV starters how to hold it. It should feel natural to slide the IV one handed. If you use two, well, it won't go as well.

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You're not the only one. If you search threads in this forum you'll see there are tons of nurses that are not the greatest at IV including myself.

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I recommend this video:

It might help you.

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