Need IV advice

Hi There.....I know exactly what you mean about being angry and frustrated with IV's. I work in a small community hospital on the med/surg unit. When we get surgeries for 0730, we have to admit them (they arrive at 0600 when everybody is BUSY!!), start their pre-op IV with no smaller than an 18 gauge and they cannot be put in the ante-cubital area PLUS an antibiotic run 1/2 hour before surgery. Needless to say, I am frustrated with everything from the policy (18 gauge is the smallest) to the admission process. I have used a venoscope without much success; however, others on my floor say they find it helpful. The best thing I have found is to have the patient lay in the bed and dangle their arm over the bedside. Apply the tourniquet and that usually distends the veins enough in the hands to slip the IV in. Good luck!