RN thinking of quitting job b/c of IV's.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 20, 2017

I have been a nurse for 11 years and my IV/cannulation skills are terrible, too. However, my lack of IV skills has not stopped me from progressing in my career.

You know the old sayings... "Practice makes perfect." "Adapt or die." Basically, the more you complete a task, the better you become. Good luck to you.

sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN · Jan 21, 2017

Keep at it, you will adapt and become skilled......

Sour Lemon · Jan 21, 2017

I've never been great at IVs, and I don't even have a reason. I often trade tasks with other nurses to help them help me. Is there something you could offer to do in exchange for the help you're receiving? People tend to respond well to "give and take", but not so well to "take and take".

If not, this job may not be a good fit for you and you may be right to consider moving on. It sounds like you've had better experiences elsewhere, anyway.

RNKPCE · Jan 21, 2017

I agree with what other posters have said. I work on med-surg and some people are great at IV's and others not so much. Experience helps but even some long time nurses aren't good at IVs . It is not a big issue. However being that you work in an infusion center avoiding the skills that are hard for you isn't going to be easy. You are probably starting IVs or hooking up IVs on nearly every patient who comes to the center. Any chance you could do occupational/physical therapy to help your fine motor skills on your weaker side?

Phe12 · Jan 21, 2017

That's always been the case at the hospital. We would trade stuff out. I can't really do that there because it's so common. I'm trying to hang in there and request equipment that I know I do better with, it's just very frustrating when people would rather bash you and embarrass you in front of the patient rather than help when needed.

Wuzzie · Jan 21, 2017

I'm not trying to be snotty, really I'm not, but why in the world did you take a job that you knew would require you to repeatedly do something you have extreme difficulty doing? Believe me, I sympathize with you. I have significant left-sided weakness and radiculopathy so I understand the struggle but if you need help with every single patient I think it's understandable that your co-workers aren't exactly thrilled. I'm not sure what equipment modifications can be made since tubing isn't really interchangeable (hospitals aren't going to by different tubing just for one employee) I think the onus is on you to figure out how to make this work. If your previous job was a better fit with your disability maybe that would be the best option for you. Best wishes.

Phe12 · Jan 21, 2017

I worked on med surg before I switched and I felt like a good nurse, especially despite my differences and difficulties. Most people and coworkers thought nothing of it. I suppose I could, I did physical therapy most of my life but I guess I couldn't see the big picture. And now I can't afford it so I'm just doing the best I can. Hopefully one day that will be an option and maybe I will gain more strength. And yes we do iv's all the time. I was told we didn't do that many and that's why I took the job. I was told we did more ports because we are a Chemo center. Had I known how many we actually did I wouldn't have taken it because I know it's my weak point and I know my limits. And it really depends on the nurses I work with. One is great, one is dreadful and she has been there a long time. Part of me wanted to prove to myself that I could do it, and I did. Because I have started quite a few(for me anyway) and I was super proud of myself but I'm already tired of the stress/anxiety/embarrassment that has come with it.

Phe12 · Jan 21, 2017

I was told we didn't do that many iv's. I actually thought we only did ports. And I don't have trouble with every patient because I hardly ever miss a port and can do those 100% on my own. And the iv's really don't have much to do with my weakness, in fact, I think I may have the advantage because I'm so used to doing everything with one hand that threading an iv catheter is nothing to me. It's finding the veins that is hard for me, especially these patients because most of them don't have good veins, and then once accessed, getting the tubing on because they don't use an extension set, they just use the lock that goes right onto the hub. And after I posted this I asked my manager about getting the extension set because we are owned by the hospital and that's what they use so I don't think it's that big of a deal to get some sent down from the hospital.

blondy2061h, MSN, RN · Jan 21, 2017

Have you considered a visit to an occupational therapist to see if they can teach you any adaptations for that specific skill?

OrganizedChaos, LVN · Jan 21, 2017

Don't feel bad, I've been a nurse for 7 years and my IV skills are terrible. I'm hoping I'll get the chance to get better at it either in school or the job after (school).

Cat365 · Jan 21, 2017

What's the advantage to this job? It seems like your old position worked better for you and that you enjoyed it more? Why did you switch. Change isn't always good. Especially if you are pregnant and expecting big changes (a baby) in your private life.