I'm worried about drawing blood and putting in IVs

Nurses General Nursing

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Hello all,

I'm a student taking the last of my pre reqs soon to start the program. I'm excited about it the only thing that has me concerned is drawing blood and putting in IVs. Now it's not because I don't like needles or the sight of blood, I don't want to get it wrong and upset/hurt the pt. I've been on the receiving end of this and know how it feels. I know some hospitals have iv techs (I think that's what their called), but I'm sure it's not practical to always use them. I want to be able to do this without a problem like it's second nature will this happen? How soon will it take for me to learn? Are there any nurses that still have problems doing this?

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Specializes in LTC/Rehab, Med Surg, Home Care.
Hello all,

I'm a student taking the last of my pre reqs soon to start the program. I'm excited about it the only thing that has me concerned is drawing blood and putting in IVs. Now it's not because I don't like needles or the sight of blood, I don't want to get it wrong and upset/hurt the pt. I've been on the receiving end of this and know how it feels. I know some hospitals have iv techs (I think that's what their called), but I'm sure it's not practical to always use them. I want to be able to do this without a problem like it's second nature will this happen? How soon will it take for me to learn? Are there any nurses that still have problems doing this?

You'll have a skills class/lab somewhere along the way that you'll learn how to do this. We did not HAVE to practice on each other but could if we wanted to. My first successful IV start was on a classmate/friend.

Since that class last January, I've started exactly 3 IV's. Yup, that's it! It just takes time to learn, and there isn't always the chance to do this skill in clinicals. My last clinical was a peds rotation and students were not allowed to start IV's.

I'm an LPN who is IV certified, but we always call in an IV nurse because our elderly are difficult to start on, and it's for rehydration therapy, therefore, they would be extra hard to start. So we don't attempt it, just call in the experts.

There is a feel to it, some people have a knack for it, and others (like me) need to work at it. My last attempt was unsuccessful, but the IV resource nurse had to try three times before she found a spot.

PS...the next time you need one, ask for lidocaine first.

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Specializes in Neuro ICU and Med Surg.

We were not allowed to try on anyone in school. It was all on the job training for me. I was taught not to go for only the veins you can see. I was taught to go by feel. This is especially useful on darker skined indididuals.

Practice makes perfect. It will take time to be comfortable with starting IV's and drawing blood.

The current hospital I work at has no IV team. I did work at a hospital that did and you should always try first and then call them. Even if you only put the tourniquet on and see nothing/feel nothing.

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Specializes in ER-Med-Surg-Travel/Contract Nurse.

I wouldn't stress too much about it, I personally didn't get any training in school and learned on the job, really nervous my first time/twice as nervous on the first child I stuck, but you get over it after a few times, the key is to be confident and not let the patient see you sweat....

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I wouldn't stress too much about it, I personally didn't get any training in school and learned on the job, really nervous my first time/twice as nervous on the first child I stuck, but you get over it after a few times, the key is to be confident and not let the patient see you sweat....

OMG I haven't even thought about the children!!

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Hello all,

I'm a student taking the last of my pre reqs soon to start the program. I'm excited about it the only thing that has me concerned is drawing blood and putting in IVs. Now it's not because I don't like needles or the sight of blood, I don't want to get it wrong and upset/hurt the pt. I've been on the receiving end of this and know how it feels. I know some hospitals have iv techs (I think that's what their called), but I'm sure it's not practical to always use them. I want to be able to do this without a problem like it's second nature will this happen? How soon will it take for me to learn? Are there any nurses that still have problems doing this?

I'm in my 4th semester and we started IVs in 3rd semester. It was scary at first but the more you do it, the more confident you will feel. It isn't bad at all and there will be some hard sticks but you aren't expected to be an expert at it. Just try to get as many in as possible while you are a student so that your confidence builds. I personally love sticking people because it's a challenge every time and I feel accomplished when I succeed :wink2:

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Specializes in Med/Surg.

You will learn to be comfortable with venipuncture/inserting IV's. It takes practice, lots of practice. The key is not to let the patient know that you are nervous and don't say to them "this is my first try" or "I'm just learning", or "Gee I hope I can get this". Go in the room with confidence (even if you're shaking inside) after the first couple of successes you will quickly build your confidence. All nurses were new and nervous about venipuncture at one time. I was a basket case but now I'm very good at it. You will be too. Have faith and patience :nurse:

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Specializes in peds and med/surg.
You will learn to be comfortable with venipuncture/inserting IV's. It takes practice, lots of practice. The key is not to let the patient know that you are nervous and don't say to them "this is my first try" or "I'm just learning", or "Gee I hope I can get this". Go in the room with confidence (even if you're shaking inside) after the first couple of successes you will quickly build your confidence. All nurses were new and nervous about venipuncture at one time. I was a basket case but now I'm very good at it. You will be too. Have faith and patience :nurse:

I was a nervous wreck the first couple of times I had to draw blood or start IV's. We werent' aloud to try while in school and at the first hospital I worked for, as soon as the unit clerk put in the order for an IV, the team came and inserted one. Now, I work for a hospital that has one IV nurse in case you have a difficult stick. While on orientation, I was nervous b/c I had someone standing over my shoulder watching every single move i made. After that, I was fine. The patient didn't know I'd only started 3 or 4 IV's.....and I got it!!! It's not as difficult as you think it's gonna be. Now, I wear a sticker that says "No IV's"...just so all my coworkers aren't coming to me for every IV stick they have....(just as a joke)...b/c it never fails that when someone else needs one and I do it...one or two and once three of mine had to be replaced. LOL

Good Luck..and relax.

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Specializes in Cath Lab, OR, CPHN/SN, ER.

Practice!

I agree with the comment on not showing how nervous you are. Make sure all of your supplies are together, go in, introduce yourself, and say "I'm ___________, and I'm going to start your IV". I'd be scared to death if someone came in and said "We're going to try and start your IV now"- no, I want you to get it first try!

You might not have many chances to start IV's in your program (I started one or two in nursing school, and that was it). When you graduate and start working, ask to spend some time in the ER or pre-op to get skills time!

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Thank you all so much for the advise. I hope to get some practice in during school.

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Specializes in Med surg, Critical Care, LTC.

Where I work, students cannot start IV's. All RN's must start IV's, for LPN they can choose to learn or not.

Believe me when I say, the are MANY other procedures we nurses do that hurt the patient way more than starting a little IV.

No one likes to hurt patients, but sometimes we must, for the greater goal of getting better. Like putting in a NG tube, Foley catheter, some dressing changes, even position changes, ENT suctioning = all worse than starting an IV. And these are just a few small procedures.

Good luck

Blessings

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Specializes in Oncology.

Work in BMT and you'll never have to do either.

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