Immunization Nurse

[ornurse22]

Hello all,

I have just completed my immunization course and am rather nervous about my first immunization clinic! Can you experienced nurses give me some tried and true tips that you have learned. I ahve read threads about hitting a bone and needles almost breaking off and now more than ever I am a little concerned about the upcoming flu clinics this Fall. Thanks so much!! Also is there anything other than alcohol to cleanse the area before injecting??? Thanks to all for your tips and techniques-they will be appreciated.

[ernursen]

I am sure you will do fine as long as you choose the appropriate needle. One trick I have learned for kids though is to be honest with them. Tell them what to expect and have them sit on the hand of the arm you will not be injecting. The other arm have them hold their parent's hand while bent behind their back (this keeps the delt muscle relaxed and prevents a knot and extra pain). Then clean with alcohol and give immunization quick. Before they realize what you have done, it is over. Also...talk to them while you are doing everything....silence can create it's own tension. Good luck. :)

[Nurse75]

I, too, was extremely nervous about those first injections particularly after reading all the horror stories about the same things your mentioned - hitting bones and breaking off needles in patients. After 30 years of pediatric nursing, I never once hit a bone or broke a needle. I gave every kind of injection imaginable in that time. It is one of those things you have to get a "feel" for and you will in no time!! Good luck. Let us know how you do.