Finally got it!!!

[missmiamoore]

As a new grad, starting IVs is a skill I am just starting to learn. It is basically a hit or miss process where we only have practice if our patient needs one. The past several I have done have all ended without success. However, last night I just had this enlightened moment where the confidence, organization, and skill needed to start the IV were with me and I got it on the first try! It just seemed so easy this time. I found a nice vein, stabilized it, advanced the catheter smoothly, retracted, flushed, and voila...perfect IV start. I was so engrossed in the lovely job I had done, that I forgot to remove the tourniquet! It wasn't until 20 minutes later when I returned to the room when I realized. The wife was holding it asking if it was supposed to be on! Needless to say, I felt like such an idiot! So almost perfect, I must remember the tourniquet next time! Anyways, just wanted to share my happy moment. Take care :nuke:

[NurseWannabe1129]

Congratulations! I haven't started IV's yet.. But I hear they are a real pain in the you know what! Best of luck on the rest of your endeavors.

[Faeriewand, ASN, RN]

Well I've heard this from other people too! They said to just wrap the tourniquet on the outside of the sleeve so it's visible and won't be forgotten

[EJSRN, BSN, RN]

Congrats! I love starting IV's. It seems that I do have OFF days every now and then. Dont become discouraged if you dont get a couple. Some pts just have bad ones!!!

[JessicRN]

There is not a nurse around who has not done that it is not a big deal because if fluid can run then the circulation is fine and it is just a red faced moment;)

congradulations on getting the IV. It is a precious skill to learn

[dskrninpa]

Congratulations, IV starts are a skill.Like any skill they need practice, and everyone misses sometimes. Keep sticking them and you'll be a pro!