Who wears gloves when starting an IV?

[DutchgirlRN]

I've been a nurse for 29 years and have a really hard time starting IV's with gloves on since I learned to do it without gloves and have been doing it for years without gloves. I try my best to wear gloves everytime but sometimes I will cut the top the finger off of the glove on my left index finger so I can still feel and then pull it up over my finger once I get a flashback. Sometimes I have an IV in before I realize that I didn't put gloves on. Old habits die hard. I was wondering if some of you older nurses have this same issue or if you younger nurses have trouble starting IV's with gloves on or are you just used to it since that's the way you learned?

[weetziebat]

Yep, prep before, then put on small gloves. Fingers may be a wee bit numb, but can feel the vein. But wouldn't even attempt it without gloves.

Last week, one of my patients went to the ER. Has awful veins and was dehydrated to boot. But I was absolutely amazed at how non-concerned the staff was about gloves. Even the M.D. didn't put gloves on, doing an arterial stick. The IV team nurse finally got the I.V. in - no gloves, blood dripping onto the floor, all over both her and her helper's hands. They noted there was blood on the floor, then walked out and left it there. After they eventually washed their hands, of course.

Oops! almost forgot the best part. His blood cultures came back positive for MRSA. Now they're in his room with gowns, mask and gloves.

[DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN]

I will locate my vein and disinfect the area and then put my gloves on too. I always put on small gloves-they are tight, but most of the time I can still feel my vein if I need too.

GREAT TIP ! THANKS !!!!!

[PennyLane, RN]

I guess it probably does help to learn with gloves. I'm a new RN and I always wear gloves to start IVs. Since I don't know how much easier it might be without gloves, I don't know what I'm missing, I guess!

[Kudra]

i always wear gloves but, like most of you, i put them on after i have all the prep work done and located a good vein... i found it awkward at first, but once you get use to what a vein feels like through gloves, it's pretty easy...

considering our pt base, i wouldn't dream of doing something without them... lots of hep C...

[IVRUS, BSN, RN]

Having been a nurse for decades, I too used to perform invasive procedures without gloves, but that is totally inappropriate to do with the expanded knowledge base that we now have. If you are starting an IV and cutting the tip of the glove off to do one more assessment of the vein status post cleansing, you are contaminating your site and you should start over and recleanse the area. The only exception is if you are doing a sterile "stick" with a sterile field and sterile gloves.

We all remember in nursing school how we were taught that there is an epidermis, dermis and superficial fascia (sub-Q) layers of the skin, well in reality there are approx 25 layers before you reach that vein which is located in the subcutaneous tissue and all of them have bacteria. Using non-sterile gloves is alright as long as you are not retouching the site over the vein in which you are going to cannulate.

You do not want to have anything "dragged" into the venous system that could pose harm to the patient.

[rnmi2004]

I appreciate the tip on using the small gloves. I'll have to try it the next time. My preceptor doesn't use gloves but as a new grad it is the only way I've ever started an IV.

My problem is with tape sticking to the gloves--is there any way to get around that?

[barefootlady, ADN, RN]

It's called universal precautions, and you better observe them, for your safety and the safety of the patient. That being said, the only thing I do before donning my gloves is tear my tape, otherwise it is gloves all the way. I had to learn how to stick with gloves but it was no big problem. Small gloves are the trick when dealing with kids, older, frail, thin skinned patients, otherwise, I just wear the medimum size ones.

[Mimi2RN, ASN, RN]

Do you tape with gloves on, or take one off before you start? I don't like being attached to a baby. It's easier when you have someone else to assist, and it's not an active term baby.

[bobnurse]

You should always wear gloves.........If your patient gets an localized infection or sepsis, you are liable.........So if you dont wear gloves, get some good insurance.....You'll need it one day.

[bobnurse]

Ive seen family members take notes on who washes their hands or uses alcohol gel when entering and leaving, who swabs thier ports with alcohol before IV pushes or piggybacks.....Who wears gloves for patient care.........and so forth.....So whether you know it or not, your being documented.....With all the negativity on TV in regards to healthcare, people are on the lookout........They never air the positives of healthcare, only the negatives....And thats what the lay people fixate on.

[DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN]

I will locate my vein and disinfect the area and then put my gloves on too. I always put on small gloves-they are tight, but most of the time I can still feel my vein if I need too.

I've been using the small gloves ever since I read your reply and it really helps. Thanks so much! I feel so much better using gloves with every stick!

[Chuckie]

I've never started an IV without wearing gloves. I've worked IV therapy for 15 years. No excuse for anyone.