Hi everyone,
I am a new nurse on a busy medical floor and I am just two weeks off orientation. I am having a really hard time starting IVs, I did not get an opportunity to start many IVs in nursing school and now when I am on the floor I find myself feeling handicapped in that department. I read a number of posts on the boards and found really useful tips, and I am now able to see and touch the vein, but I am having a hard time finding the vein with my needle/catheter. And even when I get the blood return, I am having a hard time advancing the catheter into the vein without blowing it. I realize that there is an art/techinique/ to starting IVs and I need experience, but I am feeling very frustrated because despite getting practice, I am not really improving. Please help.