IV practice

Nursing Students General Students

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Hello All,

I'm in my first year of nursing school at my local community college. Needless to say, it's been very tough, but worth it. Last week in lab, we started IV therapy. Our lab meets one day a week. I practiced in lab again this week; however, our labs will be closed for a week because of fall break. I really want to get my technique down pat. Any suggestions? When many of you were in nursing school, what/whom did you practice on to get your IV technique down? Thanks in advance

Specializes in ICU.

I also considered taking a phlebotomy course (only 3 weeks). Anyways, I practice on my RN co-workers (I'm a secretary in CCU) and also on the nursing students (nurse techs) that work there. I'm so happy they allow me to do that. It has helped my confidence and now I'm getting them on the first stick. Just ask around, you never know who is willing to let you try. I looked on the internet for a fake arm with veins, etc. but I did not see it. If anyone knows of one, please post the info!

Specializes in Med/Surg <1; Epic Certified <1.

I don't think there's any experience like a real human for IV insertion. I used the orange while practicing injections, but IVs require a much different technique and each pt will be unique.

I completed a 6-week internship in an ER this summer and lost track of how many IV starts I had the opportunity to do. While my percentage wasn't 100%, and I wasn't afforded the opportunity for really difficult pts or peds, I was very successful.

Specializes in CVICU.
I looked on the internet for a fake arm with veins, etc. but I did not see it. If anyone knows of one, please post the info!

This is what I found for you. This arm is pretty expensive! Scroll down until you find the IV training arm once you get to the page. Hope this helps. I searched by "IV training manikin."

http://www.cpr-savers.com/Industrials/Cpr%20prod/cpr%20manikins/ambu-cpr-mankins.html

DETAILS:

Ambu® I.V. Trainer

Item: 255 001

Ambu® I.V. Trainer is meant for training insertion of cannulas and catheters, infusion of fluids, injection of medication, blood-sampling and pulse measurement.

Features:

Replaceable skin and veins are made of natural latex, which features hole closure after penetration, extending the lifetime of the arm. The movable wrist and rotating arm ensure absolutely realistic training, especially when a catheter is placed on the back of the hand.

The fluid reservoir is built into the training arm, avoiding a separate reservoir taking up space. The valve system reduces the formation of air pockets in blood vessels. Multi-purpose carry case serves both as a washable underlay and as a protective carrying case. It also incorporates a bracket for easy mounting of infusion stand. The indicator panel represents each blood vessel, giving immediate feedback if e.g. an infusion is correct.

Specifications:

The I.V. Trainer can be mounted on all Ambu Man models. Length of arm: 68 cm Carry case dimensions: 75 x 15 x 11 cm Weight: 3.0 kg Reservoir capacity: 260 ml.

Price $525.00

HERE ARE SOME OTHER SITES WITH CHEAPER ARMS:

http://www.laerdal.com/document.asp?subnodeid=7144273

http://www.drmass.com/advanced-life-support-deluxe-iv-training-arm.html

http://www.med-worldwide.com/iv-manikin.html

http://www.needi-supply.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=02&Product_Code=N255-011-000&Category_Code=27

http://www.allmed.net/catalog/item/246/1968

Specializes in Adolescent Psych, PICU.

I just takes a lot of practice on real humans like everyone else said. I just take every opportunity I can get both at clinical and at work (the RNs and supervisors I work with will let me practice IVs and stuff on them!).

I've also practiced on my husband....and no we are not supposed to, but whatever, it's my husband I'll do what I want with him....LOL

But ya, it's good to practice your technique (taping, etc) on an orange or whatever.

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