Giving IM and sub-q shots

[rustspotfaerie]

I am having a problem giving a regular shot. This is my situation: When I was passed off on the skill, ya know, when we practice on fluid filled bags! , my instructor criticized me on how I hold the syringe (like I am holding a cigarette) but I have fixed that. Then passing off the skill in clinical was a disaster. My pt. had scleraderma along with CREST and I thought I had been quick about the stick, but it bounced right off. Now I am really scared. I am afraid of hurting someone and am not sure how hard and fast to "do it". Please tell me what to do to get over this!

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

rustspotfaerie. . .good screen name, by the way, when I fell off a horse my dad used to say "Quit cryin" and get back on." You just have to get back in the game. Some people just have tough skin and the needle will bounce off--it happens. When I was an IV therapist it happened to me several times with these big burly lumberjack types. On the next attempt I used more thrust when I plunged. With experience you learn to get a feel for the "real" tissue compared to fluid filled bags. The fact is that you do want to insert an IM needle quickly. Our old family doctor from when I was a kid inserted them like he was throwing darts. They almost never hurt going in and he was a good marksman too. I guarantee that after you have given many shots you won't even think twice about this. I promise.

[rustspotfaerie]

Thanks a million!

[kat von b]

I've been giving injections for about 3 years as a CMA in a primary care office. I was really nervous when I first started but the more I did it the more comfortable I became. I've had a few needles bounce off and I've just taken a deep breath and done it again. You'll be great!!!!!!!!