Insulin syringe question

[Pretzlgl]

Just wondering how everyone gives insulin. Do you use an insulin syringe? I feel silly asking this question....I was taught in nursing school to ONLY give insulin with a specific syringe demarcating the units to be given. (And to have it double checked). Yesterday at work a doctor said to give 8 units of reg. insulin - and don't waste time getting an insulin syringe. Please enlighten me if there is another SAFE way to properly dose insulin. I am unaware. Thanks all.

[Agnus]

I recalled learning how to use a 1cc syringe to give insulin then I checked my old text. It stated that a 1 cc TB syringe could be used in an EMERGENCY WHEN NO INSULIN SYRINGE IS AVAILABLE.

Bottom line if you ended up in litigation due to an error you did not follow standard of practice.

I always use an insulin syringe. If I were faced with having to use a TB syringe I would look up AGAIN how to do it first, since this is not something I do.

Hmmm. Seems that causes even a bigger delay, doctor, then just getting the right syringe in the first place.

[critcarenurse16]

I woulda handed him the syringe and the insulin and said here, you give it, or allow me enough time to get a proper syringe. Then, if he chose to draw it up and give it, I would have documented it on the pt's chart.

JonRN I like your style! I have been taught to use only an insulin syringe. Some docs think they can push nurses around but if an error occurs guess who plays the blame game???

[Agnus]

"don't waste time with an insulin syringe" I'd waste more time trying to figure out how much was 8 units in another syringe, and convincing myself that the calculations were right. SHEEZZ