First IV start

Published

Started my very first IV today (all by myself)! Set up all my supplies, tied my little tourniquet, located my vein in the AC, cleaned the heck out of that arm, stuck the patient (and got blood return, no fishing! Yay). And then froze. Thank goodness my preceptor walked in because I would have (did) looked like an absolute idiot! I was up against a valve so luckily she helped my back it out and get everything situated!

Here's to hoping I remember everything for my next stick!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Awesome! I'm sure you must've been thrilled after.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

It gets better after each time. Congrats! :up::up::up:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Awesome! I'm sure you must've been thrilled after.

I would have been if I had time to be! ED nursing is definitely a steep learning curve 😭

Up Vote Up Vote ×

And thank you crackling and Ladyfree!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yay! Love the feeling of a good iv start!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Adult and Pediatric Vascular Access, Paramedic.

Thats great! Just an FYI I am not sure what area of nursing you work in, but try to avoid AC IVs at all costs for patients getting admitted, unless it is life threatening or you cannot find anything else, as they frequently require replacement secondary to being positional! I am both a medic, a previous ER RN, and now an IV nurse, so I am speaking from experience.

Annie

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Thats great! Just an FYI I am not sure what area of nursing you work in, but try to avoid AC IVs at all costs for patients getting admitted, unless it is life threatening or you cannot find anything else, as they frequently require replacement secondary to being positional! I am both a medic, a previous ER RN, and now an IV nurse, so I am speaking from experience.

Annie

I know it's not the ideal! Unfortunately the other arm was unusable due to a new AV fistula and the hand on the same arm was extremely edematous. Unfortunately limited options and he needed blood.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg.

Awesome job for a first time! I know the first one is always the most nerve wracking. It gets better the more often you do it, and as you go on don't be afraid to really check for those forearm veins especially those located on the back of the forearm. it's like people forget that there are veins back there LOL:yes:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neuro ICU and Med Surg.

Awesome. Keep practicing. It gets better with time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion