Starting IV's is almost 100% psychological with me. I am not. and have never been the, "I'm on the IV team" greatest......but I am competent.There are just times, patients, situations where I know, think, feel, before I even try, that I am going to blow it.I can hit them all day long, then I get a patient who says "I hate IV's" in that really shaky scared tone of voice. I know it would be weird for a patient to say, "Oh I love IV's," just some you can tell are really phobic about them. No matter how great their veins are I blow it!
OnlybyHisgraceRN, ASN, RN 738 Posts Specializes in LTC and School Health. Jul 25, 2012 I don't have a lot of experience with IVs but when I do them or attempt to I get really shaky when 10 other people are watching me. One time I was in the ED getting signed off on my sticks, it was my first time and blood got every where. So many people were watching, so I freaked and forgot to pull the tourniquet after getting the flash. Thank goodness my preceptor was there and gently took over. It is psychological. Iv's are a hit and miss. Try not to dwell on it too much.
TX.RN.Shannon 103 Posts Jul 25, 2012 If I don't have a towel to put under the arm, I can't get it. Crazy...lol.
blondy2061h, MSN, RN 1 Article; 4,094 Posts Specializes in Oncology. Has 15 years experience. Jul 25, 2012 My jinx is only bringing one cannula in, even if they have freakin' pipes, I bring two in. If I just bring one there's no way I'm getting it.
NightOwl0624 536 Posts Has 6 years experience. Jul 25, 2012 If I don't get it on the first try, I will NEVER get it.
brownbook 3,413 Posts Has 38 years experience. Jul 25, 2012 Yes to performance anxiety. I don't mind telling visitors "I get performance anxiety, please wait outside."