IV Practice

Sour Lemon · Jan 29, 2021

40 minutes ago, Anna Eckardt said:

Hello everyone! I have a question that I am not able to find the answer to online. Although, I thought I would ask you all! Do any of you know if it’s “illegal” to practice IVs on a family member, with consent, at home? Thanks in advance!

I imagine not, although the world is a BIG place and I have absolutely no idea where in the world you are. Just don't steal supplies from work to do it. Actually, don't steal supplies from anywhere. ?

Side note: It might be a better idea to practice on people who actually need an IV.

TheMoonisMyLantern, ADN, LPN, RN · Jan 29, 2021

Just because you can doesn't mean you should.

CharleeFoxtrot, BSN, RN · Jan 29, 2021

(this is the way my mind works)

Awfully hard to explain to the docs in the ED how they got phlebitis and yet are not IV drug users.

JBMmom, MSN, NP · Jan 29, 2021

I suppose if you have all of your own IV start supplies and willing participants, you can practice. However, there is definitely no kind of insurance that covers anything should an unforeseen accident happen. You should be able to get sufficient on the job training if IV starts will be part of your practice.

hope_full · May 24, 2021

I would not practice on family. When I was in nursing school I used a pool noodle for practice with my skill check. It is more about learning muscle memory and set up. In real life I work in the ED get tons of practice there. I am really good with IV, EJ, IO and ultrasound insertion. Let me recommend this, for me it is all about being able to feel the vein. I joke I could insert one in the dark. Use your family to feel for veins with out a tourniquet. I have one vein in my daughters I can feel from just above her thumb and palpate it all the way past her AC. If you can't feel the vein, it does not matter really sick patients usually have multiple comorbids (HF, DM, CKD, Septic, hepatic issues), a lot of their veins are not going to pop out at you and scream for attention.