How do YOU give a great injection?

BeenThereDoneThat74, MSN, RN · Apr 10, 2005

I'm a new grad...but when it comes to Neupogen shots (which can really sting) I'm an expert. Warm the neupogen up in your hand first! (it comes from the fridge)
Give it subq in the most fatty area you can...and give it SLOWLY.

When it comes to kids (and neupogen) everyone has their different way of receiving it. I always ask the kid "do you want it fast or slow?" The older kids (which are often the ones who really tell it like it is) say it feels better if you really pinch up an area of skin (hence the whole sub-q thing). We even use EMLA for neupogen- some argue that it's pointless for a sub-q. Others argue that it is pointless for neupogen because it still stings under the skin, but some kids are so used to it. It still hurts though.

I've been told I give good shots. I could honestly say 8-9 out of times, (excluding Neupogen) I get "that didn't really hurt, how did you do that?" :thankya:

mendu · Apr 10, 2005

some more words of encouragment. when i learn my injections in lab it looks so easy for me. finally about three weeks ago, i gave my first two to real person. i just feel i never forget my first injection. shaking hands, multicheck (proper med and amount, syringe,patient), patient, position, site to choose, etc... but as first time i felt i am not able to do it, i just go for next one as a racket. i swear, i felt more confident, well prepared, not afraid to doinjection to my patient. it also helps me when i explain what i do to my patient and sometimes if patient is more cooperative, kind, i talk throughout doing what i have to. it helps both of us, me and pt. good luck it gets better, better, :)

BETSRN · Apr 10, 2005

Today in lab we began learning about injections, needles, syringes, etc.......We are all afraid to inflict pain on the poor oranges we practice on, much less the real patients we'll see in a few weeks.
How do you give a great injection? What are your tips and suggestions? :)

I just go very quickly. That's what I was taught in nursing school. I get my site, touch their skin and say "one stick". As I say that, I hit them with the needle and I am done with the injection before most know what happened.

I am always told that I give great shots.

Don't let ANYONE tell you to go slow or put the needle to the skin and then push. That is awful technique and it hurts as well.

Practice on each other with insulin syringes and saline. It's the best way to learn. I have let both our nursing student secretaries on our unit practice their first shot on me. It doesn't hurt and it gives the student some great confidence for when they have to give an injection to a real patient (not to mention they will get honest feedback).

nursingblahblah · Apr 10, 2005

when my daughter was born when check out time was near i got the depo shot in my rear and the nurse told me to wiggle my toes and just think about wiggling and i didnt feel it

debbo · Apr 24, 2005

yeah saw you piece of reflection on injections! the best advice from me- a second yr student is definately approachin the patient with confidence- take their mind off it be talkin about something completely different usually abit of humour helps too! But i was nervous at first "Practice makes Prefect" best to practice in skills labs though but if your experience is the same as mine we dont get many skills lab sessions.

Overland1, RN · Apr 26, 2005

A method I learned several years ago (from an excellent Peds nurse who transferred to Int. Radiology) was to cleanse the site and, just prior to "the poke", apply a bit of finger or thumb tip pressure on the site. This tends to numb the site a bit - works almost every time (Thanks, Lynn R.! ).

How you present yourself prior to, during, and after the injection is very important. Professional but human works best.

I also advise the patient to look at something else during the stick..... definietly better than looking at the site or (worse yet) me.

allnurses Guide · Apr 27, 2005

I tell people, "this is easier said than done, but the more you relax the less this will hurt. I want you to take a deep breath, then blow it out like you are blowing out a candle". I poke (dart method) during the blowing out part, and have had a lot of people say it hurts less.