IO checkoffs

[rjohn152]

Just wondering how other hospitals go about their initial io checkoffs. At my hospital(university hospital), we are required to show competency to an attending md in the som cadaver lab. Seems a bit excessive to me. Also kind of wonder about your experience with us guided iv.

[Nalon1 RN/EMT-P, BSN, RN]

We do a checkoff on a dummy leg in front of our educator. It really is an easier skill that IV's so long as you know correct placement and contraindications. Having to check off in front of an MD seems a bit excessive.

As for ultra sound IV's, we use it a lot in our ER, several of the techs are real good at it, I am still learning on it.

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

I have trouble with the IO drill sound so I don't want to get checked off on it.

As for ultrasound IVs. I volunteered to do the class and they said no, someone on day shift said they would first so they get it. Meaning no one on night shift can do it. Soooo. That sucks.

[Chinpop]

We do IO insertion in our yearly ED competency classes. One of our nurse managers initially checked us off on the skill. The subjects we use are chicken legs. Works great. We use manual and EZ IO. I've used the EZIO on 9 adults and 7 children and let me tell you, they're way easier than chicken bones.

I would love to insert them in more patients who need immediate access but the problem I encounter is that docs love doing them so much they rarely give us the chance to do it. Ha!