IV pumps make me nervous

Flare, ASN, BSN · Feb 24, 2010

Ease up on yourself. Noone is born knowing how to operate an iv pump. And they all work slightly different. Read the instructions and practice the process. In 6 weeks you won;t even remember that you were struggling with this.

Peetz, BSN · Feb 24, 2010

No you are not stupid! Pumps make me nervous too. They all seem to be different from floor to floor and never want to work right the first time. Making you look and feel stupid for trying to set one up. I was hanging blood and FFP for a patient in ICU last week and looked like a drunk monkey trying to get them both hung with the 250ml saline bags and get them going at the same time, when the pumps were all the way around the back side of the bed. I kept having to run around the back side, then back to the other side, very small rooms in ICU and the family was in there ( should have asked them to step out). Then the FFP pump was acting up with the saline... seems simpler to use the old time the drips method and forget the pumps! I am sure they will get easier, just when you have mastered the pumps on your unit, they will get new ones. LOL.

You will be fine. I am still a student so I know how you feel, time makes everything easier.

CABG patch kid, BSN, RN · Feb 24, 2010

With constant use, you will get more and more comfortable with it. This goes for any new equipment. When I started working in critical care a year ago, I was very intimidated by all the new equipment; a year later I am able to teach newcomers how to use it! You'll be just fine :) If you ever have questions, always ask someone who knows more than you!!

jollygirl098 · Feb 24, 2010

We use Alaris IV pumps and I have started hanging normal saline bags but I think with piggybacks, it will take some more time. Well, good to know some people are there like me who have struggled with pumps in their career.

Thanks !!!!

kcochrane · Feb 24, 2010

I'm a LPN that just got my RN and the pumps are hard for me too. I never used them as a LPN. I think I have finally figured them out...but it took awhile. So give it time. :)

blondy2061h, MSN, RN · Feb 24, 2010

I was also terrified of IV pumps back when I was a student. I thought they made no sense, spoke a cryptic language, and had way too many buttons. During an 8 week preceptorship we had to do between our Jr and Sr years I got much more comfortable.

We use two different types of IV pumps on my unit and now I can program either one of them in my sleep.

You weren't born knowing how to use a TV remote or a computer or even a phone. With more and more use those things became second nature too.

CABG patch kid, BSN, RN · Feb 24, 2010

Hey with piggybacks just remember to keep your primary bag below your piggyback, and make sure your secondary tubing isn't clamped (I still make that mistake when I'm in a hurry). You'll get it in no time, then wonder how you ever DIDN'T know this stuff, lol.

platanos1 · Feb 24, 2010

It takes time to get used to those dumb things. I hate dealing with all that equipment. And the worst is when the patient tries to fix the pump themselves. I always know when they put their dirty little hands on it. I have dreams where the pump keeps going off. It will come. BE patient . If you are uncertain ask a nurse. Who cares if you are bugging them. You will get it. :yeah:

Kittyfeet · Feb 25, 2010

I was scared to do it too, I always would ask my preceptor to come make sure I did it right, lol. I use Alaris pumps too and once you get the hang of them it's pretty easy. Your hospital probably has a clinical nurse educator that would be more than happy to do a one on one with you on the pumps, that's what they are there for! I went to a small group session on changing central line dressings and now I feel much better about it. Trust me though, before you know it you'll be hanging IV's left and right all shift long hardly thinking about it. :)