standard of how many IV attempts

[megpwh]

I have been assigned the task to determine what is the standard of how many IV attempts is appropriate for one nurse (ex. 2 attempts per patient is most common in my experience) anyone have any links or sites I can find validation for # of attempts?

[AHarri66, BSN, RN]

I can't offer any links, but where I come from, 2 strikes and you're OUT. (Although I know a few *achemm!* that will try a 3rd time under extenuating circumstances.)

[mark_LD_RN]

general rule is 2 attempts for first nurse,2 attempts for second nurse, then one attempt for best stick in house. 5 attempts total uless it is an emergency

[Jellen]

in my meager experience of 5 facilities in 2 states, it was 2 sticks per nurse....unless you were the ony one and it was an emergency. There is no actual policy in place where i am now, but we have had newborns needing lines (not able to access the umbilical) and an experienced nurse stuck until successful. (5 times total)....she was the best in house.

[jemb]

Where I work, we have an unoffical rule of 3 atttempts maximum per nurse. Since we mainly do IV therapy and transfusions,, though, we can't just stop trying. I can't remember a time when we've had more than three nurses try. It's rare that none of us is successful, but if that happens, we arrange for radiology to place a line.

[gwenith, BSN, RN]

Australia - two attempts andyou are out.Usually we then call the resident and they do not have a limit. Anyone say pincushion??? Actually not ofteen it goes that far.

[Jeepnurse]

At my facility there is no rule reguarding the # of sticks. Personally I will try two times and grab "mom"(CHARGE NURSE) to help. However, depending on the nurse she may tell you to go do it. Whenb she does this 95% of the time the job gets done.

[Diana in Sweden]

I do 2 tries as well.. then I call in someone I know is really good...

to get the job done :)

[teeituptom, BSN, RN]

Oh shuckins

I never miss.

[zambezi, BSN, RN]

Two and I'm done, then I call in an RN who is the best on my shift...if he/she can't get it and I really need one, we keep trying, each person getting two sticks...if it can wait until am, i call IV therapy, usually someone can it sooner than later...

[Nurse Ratched, RN]

2 attempts standard here, too. When I was a student I saw one nurse on a peds unit (with another present holding the child down) attempt 7 sticks. This was on a child who was severely developmentally disabled and could not speak for herself. In retrospect, I wish I had said something at the time besides just to my clinical instructor.

[Uptoherern, RN]

it depends on if they are conscious