I worked three years in a hospital where I was able to experience IV insertion to different kinds of patients from newborn, toddlers, obese, and geriatrics. Although, there were times I missed, and had two or three attempts before successfully inserting the cannula, I know it was normal and experienced by everyone because not all veins are good, plus some other external factors. But this time, I feel like it's no longer normal. I was transferred to another area for eight months, where all I did was to assist my doctor with several procedures. I rested from pricking for a good eight months. Then, I was assigned to Pediatric ER now. I was confident at first knowing that this is my forte. But, all my confidence vanished and came down to zero after consecutive unsuccessful attempts of IV insertion to several patients. And to think that those patients I pricked were at about four to six years old with good veins for their age. It may be hard to admit, but I really screwed up. I failed and I'm so embarassed. Just last night, the last patient I pricked was a six-year old girl with good veins. On my first try, I pricked confidently but all of a sudden the girl squeezed her hand tightly that's why I missed it. I tried again on the other hand. I pricked and saw backflow coming out. I adjusted my needle and advanced the cannula but to my surprise blood stopped flowing. I tried to flush it but there was a resistance. I felt ashamed of myself and was so disgusted. I can't bear to not make a successful one, so I tried one last time. Luckily, I hit the vein successfully this time after a series of hide-and-seek. That didn't make me feel good, though. It was a three-attempt. I feel so depressed with this things happening to me. I wanted to know if others also experience the same thing. I wanted to get some good advises from other nurses too that's why I tried searching on Google. Then, I found this site. I hope, you guys could help me out with my problem. Why did I fail several times now? On several patients. To think that this had been my expertise just eight months ago. Please help me get my confidence back because right now I'm so depressed and feel so useless.
