help with iv starts

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Specializes in Health insurance nursing/ Cardiac nursing.

I am very bad at starting iv's. I was wondering if there are any classes anyone has ever taken to help them start iv's. I'd love tips about starting iv's too. I seem to rarely be able to find veins, and if i do i still somehow still miss the vein, or if i am lucky enough to get a blood return when i flush the line it ALWAYS blows. :confused: any tips would be appreciated. thanks!

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Specializes in cardiac, oncology.

If you are having trouble finding veins, I found a little warmth helps. I wrap the arms in warm blankets about 10-15min before attempting to start. Most of the time this helps.

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Specializes in ER, PACU.

A mistake I used to make when I was new at it was I stuck the patient right at the spot where I felt the vein. Sometimes the catheter is too long and it will blow the vein that way. Start a little lower than where you feel the vein if the vein is big, and once you start to get blood return into the chamber, stop advancing the needle and start advancing the catheter.

It does take a lot of practice, but you will get it. And make sure that the tourniqut is on tight!

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

you need to "feel" the bouncing vein that is long enough for the IV catheter tips. Do not choose the vein appears to be blue under the skin. I am not that great either, but I insert my share of IV's on patients. Don't be frustrated. It takes time to practice. :)

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There are many threads on this already. Look in the archives! Also, I wouldn't be surprised to find something on Youtube.

Place the tourniquet on just snug ehough - if you can't feel a pulse, it's TOO tight. And on the elderly, you may not need a tourniquet at all.

Most major hospitals have IV classes and expect you to take one. If you are not near a major hospital, look online for IV classes.

Best wishes!.

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I find this page to have a lot of helpful info:

http://www.enw.org/IVStarts.htm

Good luck, I am sure you will become awesome at it.

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Specializes in ER, Trauma.

"Rarely find viens" makes me wonder if you shouldn't have your eyes checked. Just a thought. Good luck.

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

Before you even stick, get a good survey of the land, so to speak. The first vein you see may not be your best vein. Don't be too quick to stick.

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Specializes in Emergency.

Cannulas are my favorite thing. I will knock you down, to do your cannula, if I hear the IV trolley wheels start rolling! I work in ED where I get plenty of opportunity, it never gets old!

Here are my tips.

#1 be confident. If you think, 'I always miss a vein' you will.

-set up all of your equipment and have it readily available.

- take your time in finding the right vein. I often look at both arms, all locations. Many people see something, try to stick it and on the next go find a beauty of a vein on the other arm.

- follow the vein. You need a vein that is long enough for your cannula and does not fork into another vein in that distance. Do not despare if it is crooked- easy fix read on.

-as you prep the location talk to your patient, explain what is to be done and how it will feel and for how long. You would not believe the number of people that believe that the needle stays in. Persist Plus is great for preventing bacteria for up to 2 days-- but it can often dull the appearance of the vein. Alcohol wipes, brushed up- in the direction of the shoulder, can make the vein appear more visible. Make sure you allow whatever you use to dry-- if it is still drying when you pierce the skin it will go into the vein and BURN!

-here is the biggest tip ever...... stabilize the vein. Pull the skin tight over the vein. This is so important as it holds the vein still AND it hurts MUCH less than if you don't. You will find just by stabilizing alone, you will be more successful. Also crooked veins become straight under this technique.

- when you get flash back only advance the needle a tiny bit further and then only advance the canula. Use the little bump on the top of the hub to advance with your finger.

Be positive and practice, practice practice. You will end up loving them, but do not come work with me, ... I WILL knock you down if you dare push that trolley.smile.png

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"Rarely find viens" makes me wonder if you shouldn't have your eyes checked. Just a thought. Good luck.

give the OP a break, she meant she rarely finds a vein that will not blow, not that she cannot see the veins.

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Regarding venipuncture/IV insertion - It's not what you see but what you feel. The best IV nurse I know says "It's all about the bounce.":lol2:

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