IV Therapy Question

[VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN]

Just a really quick question: when you were in nursing school, were you required to wear goggles when putting in IV catheters?

Another question: does your facility require you to wear goggles when putting in IV catheters or venous blood sticks?

I find the goggles that our nursing school requires to be very cumbersome, oftentimes falling down the face, getting in the way, or obscuring one's view. It definitely is a detriment to an already stressed student.

Does anyone have a link for standards of care for putting in IV catheters (whether goggles are even required)? I went to the Infusion Nurses Society to do a quick check on suggested standards, but was unable to get any information online (I will need to purchase their book).

Thank you for your help!

[memphispanda, RN]

The only time we wore goggles in school was when we were in L&D. The facility I am working in does not require them for IVs. I can't imagine trying to put one in like that...goggles aren't usually the best quality and can sort of make things look curvy where they aren't. I'm surprised they require goggles.

[DustinRN]

We just finished our IV therapy class, and we never used googles. I would feel the same about googles as I do about wearing gloves; it just makes finding the vein harder. I do wear my gloves when I stick, however.

[meownsmile, BSN, RN]

No goggles here.

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

No in school and no in real life.

Good luck in your research.

[nekhismom]

Originally posted by 3rdShiftGuy

No in school and no in real life.

Good luck in your research.

ditto.

[live4today, RN]

No goggles worn for iv sticks or venipunctures either where I've ever worked.

[VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN]

Thanks for the replies! This certainly helps getting a little outside perspective. I really hope our school's policy on goggles and IV's can be changed.

[Grateful Nurse]

Back in the late 60's universal precautions were not around yet.So no, I did not have to weat Goggles. I am an IV therapist and belong to INS. I do wear glasses and am thankful at times when I do have that standard wear on my face. I would suggest investing in goggles that fit your face well. You will need them in most of your practice. As far as INS standards, they refer to universal precautions and CDC rules when starting IV's.

In their standards when a patient is in isolation, protective barriers used insolation include gowns, masks, gloves, and goggles.Hope this helps.

[barefootlady, ADN, RN]

No, wear glasses so these are my first defense against blood. Have worn face shield . Was required to demonstrate face shield use in mock code.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

I always wear glasses for IV starts, but that's only because I'm blind as a bat without 'em. Never had to use goggles (then again, I've never hit an artery while trying to cannulate a vein either, which would be the only reason to use the things in the first place). I can't imagine why they would be necessary for IVs, whether in actual practice or in nursing school. But, that's just me. :)

[globalRN]

Agree with previous posters:

Generally, no goggles worn for venipuncture.

Arterial puncture is a different story.