IV anxiety

HRM672 · Apr 6, 2008

IV anxiety is common, even in experienced nurses. There's alot to nursing other than starting IVs; even if you never end up being "good" with IVs you can still be a great nurse.

Having said that, the key to getting past the IV anxiety and becoming skilled at IV starts is just to do it. Keep watching, keep trying them, and you will get it. :nurse:

AirforceRN, RN · Apr 6, 2008

Search this site for iv insertions and issues. There is a ton of information...a lot of the threads even start with "am I the only one?" or "Should I still be a nurse?". Don't worry, you aren't alone, the skill is not easy to pick up, even 20 year veterans have issues sometimes.

Midnight1 · Apr 6, 2008

You are just the greatest! Thanks so much for the support. I'm glad I found this website - just today!! Thanks again. I'm looking forward to class tomorrow now! :bow:

Midnight1 · Apr 13, 2008

Just wanted to say thanks again. I went in on Monday with these thoughts in my mind, and, with no problem, got an IV started. I think it also helped with a different teacher and a "cleaner" technique this time.

Anyway, thanks again!!

Midnight1 · Apr 13, 2008

Thanks again everyone!!

november17, ASN, RN · Apr 13, 2008

There's nothing better than that little pop you feel when you a puncture vein with a 22 gauge catheter..I don't mean that to be gross, I just get that, "mission accomplished" warm fuzzy feeling. I just hate it when the darn things blow!!

cpnegrad07 · Apr 13, 2008

It might help your emotional reaction if you have someone start one on you while you watch it. That way you know how it feels--then when you are on the good side of the needle, you may not be as anxious.

I worked for years as a Paramedic and never had any problem...UNTIL, i was in the ED one day when an anesthesiologist decided he needed to tube a 6 y.o. (asthma) before he sent him to a larger hospital. The kid was, to me, obviously not in need of a tube, it was CYA all the way, AND the kid wasn't sedated enough. I think empathy got to me and i almost passed out watching him struggle. (the md never did get the tube and we transported him just fine)

:twocents:

Midnight1 · Apr 13, 2008

You're right, the 22-gauge was great! The first instructor used 18-gauge, which I felt a bit harsh on a classmate who didn't really need it. I think it's different when someone needs help, and you have to do it. When I did my first "stick" with the other instructor, I told her later how anxious I was and she was really surprised. She told me my technique was great and that I did fine!!

Thanks!!

Midnight1 · Apr 13, 2008

Thanks a million for your reply. It just means so much to know it isn't just me - I spent an entire weekend worrying that I had made a big mistake. Now, after doing it, I feel just great and ready to take on anything!!

mablackbear · Nov 20, 2008

"...that little pop you feel when you puncture a vein with a 22 gauge catheter"

When I read your post I was like..."what little pop?" Is she talking about popping through the skin? She clearly said when puncturing the vein... and then I thought, I only feel a pop when I go through a valve, which is not what you want to do, and I generally wind up blowing the vein in this case, which is what you seem to have a problem with... my recommendation with that, and I start 5-15 IVs a day in an ambulatory procedure clinic, is to carefully palpate the vein first to check for valves. Also, if you're new to IVs, insert the catheter slowly being careful to check for resistance, which usually indicates a valve.

Just food for thought...

Also, I agree with one of the above posts about practice. Practice, practice, practice.

Midnight1 · Nov 20, 2008

"...that little pop you feel when you puncture a vein with a 22 gauge catheter"
When I read your post I was like..."what little pop?" Is she talking about popping through the skin? She clearly said when puncturing the vein... and then I thought, I only feel a pop when I go through a valve, which is not what you want to do, and I generally wind up blowing the vein in this case, which is what you seem to have a problem with... my recommendation with that, and I start 5-15 IVs a day in an ambulatory procedure clinic, is to carefully palpate the vein first to check for valves. Also, if you're new to IVs, insert the catheter slowly being careful to check for resistance, which usually indicates a valve.
Just food for thought...
Also, I agree with one of the above posts about practice. Practice, practice, practice.

I am doing lots better now, with everyone's help from this website and a patient teacher!! Everyone is so helpful.

I just had to realize that, yes, it does hurt a little when you have to puncture someone's skin with a needle, but it's just a little pinch. I have been doing great after getting over the anxiety.

Thanks again!!