Need ALL the Help and Advice for IV Starts

[RN329]

I'm a RN in a pre and post op surgical unit and an essential skill for my position is IV starts. The problem is I'm embarrassingly terrible at them. I'll be able to find a vein no problem, but it seems like 9 times out of 10 I'll either miss (not able to tell if I'm above or below the vessel) or I'll blow it. Although I'm confident in all my other skills, my lack of skill in this area is causing me all sorts of anxiety. PLEASE hit me up with your very best IV start tips!

[Castiela]

Can you practice and offer to do other RNs IV starts? The first time you do it, have an experienced RN walk you through it and then keep practicing. It's the only way to get better

[snowflower2016]

Google "IV start tips" and watch some videos or read some articles with tips then practice, practice, practice.

[jodispamodi]

Does your facility have an IV team? I'd suggest seeing if you can spend some time with them on practicing. I don't think written tips are all that helpful, its the kind of skill you just need to practice. Although, for me when I start an IV or even just draw blood, I don't jam the whole needle in, I try to go slow so that when I get flashback I don't inadvertently go through the vein.

[brownbook]

Everybody learns differently. All the above suggestions are good.

You will learn something from everyone, and everything you read, or see on YouTube.

Some nurses who are on the IV team are so "naturally" brilliant at IV's they're not good teachers. It's like asking a fish how to swim.

A co-worker who has struggled, but eventually overcame, may be a much better teacher.