How do you give a painless injection

christvs, DNP, RN, NP · Dec 7, 2005

I find that the quicker I give the injection, the more likely the patient will say "That wasn't too bad." But sometimes, no matter how you do it, some patients will still say it hurts. Everyone has a different level of pain tolerance.

-Christine

bethem · Dec 8, 2005

My doctor is really good at giving injections, even IM, without pain. He told me to get the needle in fast, using a motion like you're throwing a dart, and then push the drug in slowly. It certainly works for him. I am such a baby about getting needles, but he's really good and I don't mind going to him.

NebbyLPN · Dec 8, 2005

My doctor is really good at giving injections, even IM, without pain. He told me to get the needle in fast, using a motion like you're throwing a dart, and then push the drug in slowly. It certainly works for him. I am such a baby about getting needles, but he's really good and I don't mind going to him.

That is the exact same thing I was taught in school. My instructors really stressed getting the needle in quickly like a dart. It works!

NurseRatchett · Dec 8, 2005

My favorite trick is to keep them distracted and get the needle in quickly.

It takes some practice, but it's worth it.

But like the other poster said, some will still complain, regardless of what you do.

Larry77, RN · Dec 10, 2005

2 main components: Distraction and Quick insertion, I always apply pressure away from the actual site either while pinching some tissue or just by holding the body part, also I use a lot of conversation. Get the patient to talk about something they are interested in or just about their symptoms etc. The dart like insertion is also very important. Have fun!

MIA-RN1, RN · Dec 10, 2005

The NP i work with gives a painless injection by flicking her finger at the site of injection just before the needle goes in--something about the nerves there. An LPN I know does something simliar, when he scrubs w/ the alcohol wipe he does it a little rougher and it deadens up the nerves a bit so there is less pain going in.

analee23 · Dec 10, 2005

I worked in a pediatric office for a few months where all I did was give shots. These are my tricks:

Rub hard with the alcohol before giving the shot

Allow alcohol to DRY COMPLETELY before giving shot (it can burn if ya don't)

Then, quick like a dart, aspirate very quickly and inject pretty fast, but not terribly fast... if you inject too quickly, it can hurt... but sometimes you don't have a choice with a wiggly toddler!!!

I've had patients tell me that it hurt a lot and I've had people tell me they couldn't even feel it.... everyone's different, so don't get discouraged if you get "mixed reviews!"

Best of luck!

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · Dec 10, 2005

I agree with allowing the alcohol to dry completely before injecting. Otherwise, you're injecting the alcohol into the tissue and it really stings.

Also, use the smallest bore needle possible with the viscosity of the solution. Can make a big difference....

guzzebear · Dec 13, 2005

THANK YOU so much for the info!!!!!!!!!:rotfl:

AtlantaRN, RN · Dec 15, 2005

exactly, same way I do IV"s, talk their heads off, so they are distracted!

linda

schoedr · Dec 16, 2005

Another suggestion- use the longest needle you can for IM injections- it hurts more when medications that are supposed to go IM wind up in the sq tissue- it doesn't sting or hurt nearly as much if it goes in way deep- and don't worry if you hit bone (ugh, I know...) just pull back a smidge then inject- people don't usually feel it at all. And our hospital no longer advises pulling back before injections- check with your facility first, though.