Getting IV Experience

Taking a class is never a waste a time, IMO. However, hands on experience with real patients is the best way to learn. It is nothing like feeling that vein and threading the catheter through and seeing that blood return. It takes practice.

The problem is the Use It or Lose It factor. You may take the class and become proficient at starting IVs but then when it comes to using the skills during your work day, there may be a big time span between IV starts. When I worked EMS, the local nursing homes would call us to come and start IVs since they very infrequently started them and we did them daily.

Is your facility associated with any hospital? I work in the ER and we have had nurses from other units and facilities come spend time with us to gain more experience.

I took a phlebotomy course at my college last summer, got to practice on real people even, but the old adage "use it or lose it" comes in to play- I would not feel comfortable starting IVs now, even though I've taken a course. Practice practice practice!

I don't think it is a waste of time. Are you planning on getting an acute care job soon? I would hold off on taking the class until close to that time.

Ask to be the IV starter for your shift so you can get practice.