How To Start IVs In The Hand

[LibraNurse27]

Hi all, does anyone have tips on starting IVs in the hand? At my new job they like IVs in the hand for certain procedures. In the hospital I worked they didn't like us to put IVs in the hands because of the nerve endings/pain and they usually didn't last long. One PICC nurse would be SO mad if she saw a hand or wrist IV. So, I am confident with forearm and AC IVs as long as it's not a super hard stick, but hands scare me! All I can see is use a lower angle, almost flush to the skin (like 5 degrees?) and stabilize well. Thanks for any advice!

[9kidsmomRN]

My only addition is to use shorts (not longer than 1.16”). I’m not as good with butterflies but they are only 1”, so if I need a really short needle, I’ll go that route. If necessary I’ll start distal to where I intend to puncture the vein if I am afraid that the catheter will either be too long for the length of the vein, or encroach on the wrist. The hub can always hang off the knuckles if you tape it down really well.