Iv/blood draw Skill set in the home

[csaylor290, ADN]

I feel great on a lot of skills but I am horrible at IV skills, blood draws, implanted port care, and picc care. I know practice makes perfect but it's nerve racking going out solo without an extra pair of eyes to make sure I'm doing good technique. I asked management if I could follow someone but no one responded to help me out.

I'm just not good at it! I'm great with everything else! Wound care, catheters, drains, Wound vacs, peg tubes, pleurex drains for lungs and abd.

Any tips to help me out? I know practice makes perfect but it's stressing me out. What if I can't get blood draws a lot of the time? Do you have a hard time? Any advice?

[SBarn]

I do a ton of PICC care and a fair bit of implanted port access and care. Blood draws and IV starts are pretty stressful in the home if you aren't confident you can do it. If you aren't confident in those skills you definitely need to speak up and let someone know. Tell them you want every PICC care and lab draw, etc. patient you can get when the educator can be with you.

Is there a health ministry or clinic in your area? You could possibly volunteer there to do blood draws to get experience.

[Travel_RN1]

Fortunately for me, i was a phlebotomist for 12+ years before becoming a RN. You must be very confident with your skills to do them in the home. i've drawn blood and changed picc dressings from people sitting on their couch. That comfortable. First, you have to put it in your mind that you can do it. No negative thoughts with drawing blood. The psych will trip you out each time early in your comfort building. starting IV's comes after you become comfortable with the needle. So get comfortable with the skill of blood draws first, then move to IV insertions. Good luck!!