I think I might have blown a vein?

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I was practicing IV skills with a classmate, and I attempted to insert an IV. Everything went pretty good in the beginning from what I could tell. I went into the vein at about a 15 degree angle, got blood return, advanced just a little more, then advanced my catheter. But then I noticed that the skin around the area started swelling. I feel like I did everything correctly, and then that happened and it kind of scared me and lowered my self esteem. Does this sound like I blew the vein, or does this just happen to people?

Specializes in Neuro, Telemetry.

Since everyone has already given you encouragement, I am going a different direction. You get to practice on each other? We don't. Just mannequins and our first real stick will be on a live patient (I have yet to get to do a real one). Just wanted to mention that I am a jealous nursing student. lol

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Specializes in Emergency, critical care, cardiovascular.

Well, we are only supposed to practice on mannequins in the school. We set aside our own time to practice on each other ;D

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Specializes in ICU/ Surgery/ Nursing Education.
Well, we are only supposed to practice on mannequins in the school. We set aside our own time to practice on each other ;D

Mannequins are good to start, but not really great for fully developing this skill. Veins blow, that is all there is to it. You can do everything right and they still blow.

Always remember that you learn more every time to miss an IV stick then when you get one correct. Don't stress. Being 100% proficient at starting IV's is not required to graduate or become a nurse. I think it really is a skill that takes time to develop.

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Specializes in Neuro, Telemetry.
Well, we are only supposed to practice on mannequins in the school. We set aside our own time to practice on each other ;D

LOL. Ok. I never could get a volunteer for a secret IV practice session, but some of my classmates were able to. Still jealous. Even if it wasn't exactly what the school does. ha.

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Specializes in Emergency, critical care, cardiovascular.

It really does help! You can't tell if you blew a vein on a mannequin arm...

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That is the brilliance of lifelong learning. We are constantly reminded that there is so much more to learn.

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I think it takes a while. I know people who got there first IV in, first try. That's called "luck" not skill. Skill is what is developed from trial and error, and I think it also requires a certain amount of trouble shooting and recovering from those imperfect moments. I was competent at IV insertion as a licensed veterinary technician, then had a big ol' reality check when I attempted to place one in an elderly woman with fragile veins........... dealing with her anxiety as well as my own was a new experience. Don't overthink the whole IV thing. It should be one smooth motion. Breaking it into steps might not be the best approach for you, in 3D, because sometimes it just doesn't look like that. Good luck.

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When we first practiced IVs on each other I volunteered to let my clinical instructor demonstrate on me, she blew my vein!!! Happens to the best of them. Yes our school allows students to practice IVs on each other as long as an instructor is present in the skills lab.

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Specializes in Emergency Room, Trauma ICU.
Well, we are only supposed to practice on mannequins in the school. We set aside our own time to practice on each other ;D

Just a heads up but be careful where you are getting your supplies. Nurses have been fired for taking gone supplies like flushes and IV start kits. You don't want your nursing career to end before it begins! Also know what is allowed through your school/state. My school didn't allow nursing students to practice on each other and was punishable by expulsion. Just make sure all your bases are covered, there's plenty of time to master skills once you're a nurse.

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Specializes in Reproductive & Public Health.

I learned to draw blood, start IVs AND do speculum/bimanual exams on my classmates! We all practiced on each other. Good for skill AND team building. :)

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Specializes in Emergency Room, Trauma ICU.
I learned to draw blood, start IVs AND do speculum/bimanual exams on my classmates! We all practiced on each other. Good for skill AND team building. :)

I've let phlebotomy students and new grads in my ER practice draws on me, cause I'd rather they fumble with me than sick pts, but I think I draw the line at having to take off my under-roos!!

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Specializes in ICU.

We get our own supplies at my school so don't presume this guy stole them. We get a red lab bag which has plenty of materials for iv start kits. I have 4 or 5 in my bag alone. We get absolutely everything we need to practice skills in lab. From catheter kits to trach care, lots of needles for injections and iv starts.

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