flu shot clinic??

badtz143 · Oct 25, 2006

Hey im a new lpn. got my license sept 14th and im working for 3 agencies. Mostly ltc but just completing orietation for tristar hospitals. Anyway ive given a load of insulin shots but no flu. As stupid as it sounds Im suppose to do a flu clinic this sat and Im nervous. What if I do it wrong? Anyone out there given flu shots? Any help you can give me? I feel so stupid but its just one of those things I didnt get the opportunity to do in school.. thanks for any advice or input..

Hi,

I'm a new grad RN, given flu shots before. It's IM so deltoid for those with well-developed muscles and gluteal for the skinny patients. Point, dart, steady the needle, aspirate to make sure you're not in a vessel, inject when clear, retract needle or activate whatever safety mechanisms your needle/syringe has. Is that what you were looking for? I know you'll do fine :)

RNLisa · Oct 25, 2006

Hi, I have worked flu clinics and we were told to use the right deltoid muscle (if possible) for all flu shots. We also gave pneumonia shots too, and they were given in the left deltoid. The technique is just how badtz said above. Some nurses I know aspirate, and there are some who do not. I personally do, especially if the person is a frail elderly person with not much muscle. I actually like giving IM's. Good luck!

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Oct 25, 2006

I've done a number of flu shot clinics, and let me tell you, this is the best way I know of to get good at IM's really fast! I usually have the person dangle their arm to prevent the muscle from tightening (injecting into a relaxed muscle reduces pain), and even after all these years I still use landmarks (two fingers below the acromion process) to place the shot properly. I scrub the area with an alcohol wipe, then let it dry thoroughly before injecting, as it can irritate the tissues. I also inject slowly, as this can help reduce discomfort as well, then remove the needle quickly and wipe the injection site again. It's not hard once you get the mechanics of it down; you'll know you're doing it right when people start saying, "I hardly even felt that!":p

pagandeva2000, LPN · Oct 27, 2006

Hey im a new lpn. got my license sept 14th and im working for 3 agencies. Mostly ltc but just completing orietation for tristar hospitals. Anyway ive given a load of insulin shots but no flu. As stupid as it sounds Im suppose to do a flu clinic this sat and Im nervous. What if I do it wrong? Anyone out there given flu shots? Any help you can give me? I feel so stupid but its just one of those things I didnt get the opportunity to do in school.. thanks for any advice or input..

I am a 'flu' nurse, and just started that three weeks ago (this is my weekend second gig that I do on the weekends). I got my license this June, and am working full time in a hospital clinic (my job paid my way through school). It is easy...I use a 23 gauge needle, for flu and pneumonia shots, it is 0.5 mL, goes in the deltoid. It is easy work, and depending on where they send you, it can be fun. At times, I have too many patients to count, other times, I have a book to read because I may be there for 6 hours and only get 10 people for the day. You'll be fine!