Newly qualified- problems! Drawing up

[corelli]

Hi, this is going to sound so stupid but here goes.

I'm a newly qualified nurse and just got the job I wanted. I am working on a cancer unit so I need to prepare syringe drivers every day as well as giving other meds.

However, as stupid as it sounds I find it really hard to draw up medication from vials! Especially with a small amount, I always end up with bubbles or some drips out from the vials, wasting medication.

I struggled with this as a student and tried to practice but I am struggling. I feel really awful and incompetent as this is a skill I should know by the time I qualified. Everyone I spoke to says it will happen with experience but I just wondered if anyone had any tips.

I know it sounds silly but I need to be able to do this ! And feeling really awful.

Thank you :)

[klone, MSN, RN]

Make sure to pay attention to where the bevel of the needle is. Make sure it's below the level of the liquid, and as you pull the liquid out, you may need to slowly pull out the needle as the level of the liquid drops.