Getting into a groove

[SunshineDaisy, ASN, RN]

I feel as though I am starting to find my groove after 5 months. Finally! I still have my moments where I am completely overwhelmed, but from what I understand, seasoned nurses feel the same way sometimes. I still have to ask a question here and there, and new skills will still come up that I have never done, but for the most part, I'm ok. I was a little shakey last week, but I had to take a month off to recover from surgery. I felt a little lost the first few shifts, but after I found my footing again I was alright. Still suck at IV starts though :/

[DisneyNurseGal, BSN, RN]

We must have started at the time time because I am 5 months in too. I am finally at the point where I don't walk in the door terrified every shift. I suck at IV starts too.

[PCnurse88]

I'm 5 months in too! I've only successfully started one IV. I've tried on 4-5 patient (most of our patients already have IVs from the ED or CT, or have PICCs) and only managed one. Plus another guy I tried on bled everywhere (my bad).

I feel pretty confident in myself, because I either know what I'm doing (sometimes) or I have an awesome coworker to help me (always). I feel like the most important skill that a *new* nurse can have is the ability to ask questions and admit when they don't know something/need help with something.

[SunshineDaisy, ASN, RN]

I am like the valve queen! I'd say I'm about 50/50 with getting a good IV and hitting a valve :/ I always get flashback with the valves, but can never advance. I think I've only blown 2 IV's. Ours come in spurts. We can go a month without having to do an IV, and then we get hit with 4 or 5 a night! I am getting more confident as well, and most people I work with are good at answering questions, or helping me with a skill I have not done yet. There's a few who think I ask too many questions :/ Which, of course, gets old to the boss. Can't win sometimes.

[iPink, BSN, RN]

Give yourself time. I'm almost 2 years in and I'm not good with IVs and I'll probably won't get better now that I'm a postpartum nurse. I take out more IVs then place them in.

The nervousness will eventually go away with time. You will get better, smarter, and more confident.

Good luck in your first year!

Sent from iPink's phone via allnurses app

[S.RN]

I share your sentiments, I'm about 50/50 with starting IV's. For me as a new nurse I think it's the finesse that I lack, I've gotten better at setting everything up before I start and putting it within reach so that when it's time to connect I'm not making a huge mess. I'm always afraid I'm going too deep so I try not to go at too much of an angle.