IV Start Class San Diego

[OR Supernurse]

I'm graduating from nursing school in 6 months. I don't want to be the "newbie" that can't start an IV. I've only had 3 tries in school and all 3 were unsuccessful. I want to practice on my peers, but they don't allow that in school anymore. Are there any class in Southern California/San Diego that anyone can recommend? I just want to be well prepared for my first job as a nurse. :-)

[SquishyRN, BSN, RN]

No one expects you to be good at IVs as a new grad. Your first RN job might not even require you start IVs. Even as a Med-Surg nurse I probably only start 1-2 IVs per week on average since PICCs and central lines are common in my facility's patient population and night shift is very good about changing IVs when they're due. Some hospitals even have designated IV teams and floor nurses aren't allowed to start IVs.

I took an IV certification course as an LVN that had RNs in it as well who, like you, thought taking such a class would help them. The class only required 3 sticks, which obviously isn't enough practice to feel competent in the skill if you weren't already feeling competent before. Since you're still in school, continue to try to get as much practice as you can during your clinicals. However, don't worry about it so much if you don't feel like you got enough practice in school, you'll be getting plenty of opportunities once you're working. I didn't get to practice starting a single IV as a student. Starting IVs is only one skill, and it is nowhere near the top of the priority list for an individual nurse to be a good, competent, and (above all) safe nurse.

[zzbxdo]

I'm not a new grad but I'm still the noobie who can't get a piv. Only have the opportunity like once a month, we mostly have central and picc lines. If you have time to waste review material, not classes like these.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

I know Grossmont College offers a phlebotomy class. Perhaps they have an IV class as well.