Last minute advice before the stick

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:bluecry1:The time has come!!!!!!

I've read all I can, every textbook, website, allnurses sticky forum, every class note, everything I could get my hands on. I do my first real IV stick this week and everything I've learned does nothing to help me relax and mentally prepare myself. I know the facts, how do I deal with the nerves!?!

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Take a deep breath and pretend it is the fake arm!:lol2: I find if I detach myself a little it helps, don't think about causing pain. It has to be done for the patients good, and it doesn't really hurt that much if you stay smooth, don't hesitate and don't stop...you can do it!

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Remember the technique of a quick, dart-like motion with a flick of the wrist. That way the needle goes in quick and relatively painless. And don't forget to lightly pinch the skin for SQ and stretch the skin for IM. SQs go in easy but IMs take much more force!

Don't forget to review your syringes and needle sizes. Good Luck! :)

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Specializes in ortho/neuro/medsurg/peds.

My advice is, just relax! I know it is hard to do. Do not beat yourself up if you do not get it the first try. I have been doing IVs for 6 years and I get some hard ones and miss some easy ones. When I first started doing IVs it was figuring out how to do all the after stuff with 1 available hand. Once you get the IV in you have to hold it till you get your tegaderm or whatever else is used. Try to lay out all your materials at hand so they are easily accessible with your one available hand. Does that make sense?

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Remember the technique of a quick, dart-like motion with a flick of the wrist. That way the needle goes in quick and relatively painless. And don't forget to lightly pinch the skin for SQ and stretch the skin for IM. SQs go in easy but IMs take much more force!

Don't forget to review your syringes and needle sizes. Good Luck! :)

Ummm...the OP is doing an IV...

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Ummm...the OP is doing an IV...

LOL, I must have been reading quick bc I thought she was asking about injections...NEVERMIND! LOL

Good luck with the IV sticks. We don't get to do them in my program. :)

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the preceptor will make you feel nervous, imagine it is you and your client only..and it will go by quickly.

have confidence, you can do it....

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Thanks everyone! The IV specific clincal got pused back until next friday. I haven't decided if that is good or not yet. More time to stress!!! Thanks for taking the time to help calm my fears. (A nearly impossible task.) Keep 'em coming.

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