Flu shot advice

[bcm9579]

Hello nurses!

I am a first year medical student. We will be administering flu shots to each other in a clinical class later this week. I would love some advice from the pros!

Thanks a bunch

[cleback]

Let the alcohol dry.

Don't make a face the first time you hit bone.

[JKL33]

Needles are sharp. Neither force nor a pushing-forward action (with the hand) is required. It's all in the wrist.

Sounds like fun; good luck ~

[TheSquire, DNP, APRN, NP]

Needles are sharp. Neither force nor a pushing-forward action (with the hand) is required. It's all in the wrist.

It's just like throwing a dart. Remember to z-track first.

[SmilingBluEyes]

Make sure they relax the arm from shoulder to fingertip BEFORE giving the shot. Do not give shot until they do. This is more than half the battle and will reduce discomfort a TON. Same technique goes for shots in the gluteal area. Have the knee bent forward on the side you intend to give shot. I would say 80 percent or more of my patients tell me they feel nothing when I have them relax first.

[Aunt Slappy]

Let the alcohol dry.

Don't make a face the first time you hit bone.

So true. I'm dying remembering the first time I did that. And it was Rocephin so it was a HUGE needle! Poor guy.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

Let the alcohol dry.

Don't make a face the first time you hit bone.

This. ^^

[HelloWish, ADN, BSN]

Anytime I give an injection, start an IV or access a port, I have the patient take a deep breath in and blow out. I inject while they are blowing out.

This helps ease their discomfort.

[nursej22, MSN, RN]

Remember to z-track first.

There is no reason to z-track. A quick jab into dry skin and a relaxed deltoid are all that's necessary. Be sure you don't inject too high, and no need to aspirate.

[psu_213, BSN, RN]

So true. I'm dying remembering the first time I did that. And it was Rocephin so it was a HUGE needle! Poor guy.

I swear I could hear the needle crunch in to the bone. OK, not really, but that sensation of a dead stop when the needle hits the bone gives me chills. The first time I did it, I was expecting the pt to scream bloody murder. Then I realized that the pt did not even notice. Still gives me chills though.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

You Tube and lotsa luck.

[OldDude]

Before i give them the shot, I reassure them the injection will not hurt me so in case they are worrying about me, I'll be OK.