IV starts

ckh23, BSN, RN · Feb 15, 2011

The first few times I went right for the AC because it was the biggest and easiest to get. After that I started going else where and then with time and practice you develop a good technique and little tricks that will help you along the way.

That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Feb 15, 2011

Started my first on my instructor. Went great. After that I didnt get to try too many until I did my internship on a cardiac stepdown unit and that is where I honed my skill at IV starts.

First one that was started on me, I lost a LOT of blood. Person forgot to hold pressure on the vein so I just bled out for awhile.

ImThatGuy, BSN, RN · Feb 15, 2011

Psychologically, you might want to start with a small gauge catheter in a large vein on a young, healthy person. You get that one and you establish some props. The first IV I ever gave was on a fireman in my paramedic class. After that I don't know. I do know that the last one I ever tried as a medic (in 2006) I blew, LOL. The old lady had a hematoma the size of a plum under her skin. We were both jabbing at her looking for veins the size of hairs.

And if you're wondering...yeah, that was my last weekend to work. I'd put in my notice to move on to other pursuits.

CCL RN, RN · Feb 15, 2011

By the time i started an IV on a real person I had draw blood on hundreds of people. But I will tell you this.,.IVs are 80% confidence and 20% skill.

If your internal voice is telling you "I can do this", the you can do it!

tokyoROSE, BSN, RN · Feb 15, 2011

I was bummed that I didn't quite get my first IV start, but was close. I got into the vein fine but did not advance the cathether enough before withdrawing the needle due to miscommunication between me and my instructor. My patient got extremely anxious and I felt terrible! My next IV start, I nailed it. The patient did not even realize I had done it. My advice is to go over it with your instructor before attempting. Familiarize yourself with the IV start kit.

Jonathank · Feb 15, 2011

I've only stuck the dummy arms so far. :jester:

boisern84 · Feb 15, 2011

If possible try to do a start on someone who is unconscious or heavy sedated. You will be less nervous if the person isn't staring you down or making impatient comments.

all4ofus, ASN, RN · Feb 15, 2011

Yeah, we've done the dummy arms in school and handled the materials, had the checkoff, and all of that. It was actually hard to get flashback on the dummy arms; even our instructor couldn't do it! A few of us are going to get together and start IVs on each other. And my husband, the saint, has also volunteered his veins. I will let you all know how it goes. Wish us luck!! :lol2:

meltnpointofwax · Feb 16, 2011

i'm in my second semester and i've attempted IVs on 3 patients. i was only successful with the first patient. she was an elderly lady with dementia and she screamed the entire time, which made me nervous. my professor walked me through it because my mind was going blank. i wasn't expecting all that blood, but my professor said i did a good job. my other tries were on people with bad veins, thick skin, and i just pulled the needle out too quickly. practice makes perfect i guess good luck!