I want to practice my injectables

blue4thebeach · Oct 5, 2009

My aunt (an RN) has suggested that I use an orange to practice injections on. Haven't tried it yet, but she swears it helped her in nursing school. Um, don't eat them after though.

eholt19351 · Oct 5, 2009

hot dogs!

FLDoula · Oct 5, 2009

My aunt also said they used oranges to practice on.

shrimpchips, LPN · Oct 5, 2009

Why spend $100-ish on an injecta-pad when you can buy some oranges or other fruits for a few bucks and practice on them? Or you can ask if you can borrow the injecta-pad from your lab/school...I know we're allowed to "rent" things out for 3 days if we need extra practice.

MrazFan · Oct 5, 2009

Use an orange for IM type injections and use a hot dog for sub-q or intradermal. When I was practicing, I actually purchased a bag of oranges and wrote in black marker on each one "DO NOT EAT". I also marked my hot dog package like that too (plus, I had gotten a brand that we don't normally buy, to clue hubby in that those weren't for eating). I actually preferred the oranges to the pad they have at school!

CrunchyMama, ASN, RN · Oct 6, 2009

I just used a rolled up ball of tissue paper, lol. A hotdog is a good iea, probably feels more real. Good luck!

AmyJean · Oct 6, 2009

Use an orange for IM type injections and use a hot dog for sub-q or intradermal. When I was practicing, I actually purchased a bag of oranges and wrote in black marker on each one "DO NOT EAT". I also marked my hot dog package like that too (plus, I had gotten a brand that we don't normally buy, to clue hubby in that those weren't for eating). I actually preferred the oranges to the pad they have at school!

I was going to suggest the same. When using a hot dog for sub-Q or intradermal, make sure they are cold. Otherwise, the leak and sometimes squirt you in the eye! :jester:

Kwontor · Oct 7, 2009

I'm using a grapefruit(bigger target ), and it works like a charm!

sharpeimom · Oct 7, 2009

i practiced on mostly oranges but also an occasional grapefruit. i tried it on a lime one time and promptly stuck my finger and hand... lime juice stings!

kathy

sharpeimom:paw::paw:

PackersFan · Oct 12, 2009

I was going to do the orange/grapefruit idea too. But once I got into my clinical rotation, my patients were all on insulin and/or Lovenox, so I feel pretty comfortable giving subQ injections.

Some of my classmates haven't even given one injection, so even if you think a certain patient is going to be exceptionally difficult - go for it - you get to do some of the "cooler" stuff. :)

9livesRN, BSN, RN · Oct 16, 2009

I used a chicken breast! uncooked that is!