Procedure Tips and Tricks

Practice, practice, practice. Just the other day there were 2 nurses with combined experience of about 25 years that were unsuccessful with an IV. I asked if I could try. Didn't think I'd get that sucker, but I sure did. I have those days I can't get anything in also... but that one IV stick felt real good. Wouldn't have got it if I hadn't tried....

When sticking for an IV, once you get the flash, just go a tiny bit further, and then advance the catheter off the needle into the vein. I see experienced nurses advance the whole needle into the vein and end up blowing it, especially small veins.

Tape NG tubes to the shoulder/neck and route them up under the pillow to prevent the patient from easily pulling it out.

If using the instyle IV, twist the catheter around the needle once in order to break the factory seal.

Label your vial drawn meds by taping the vail onto the syringe.

Zero out your pumps at the start of your shift so you have an instant calculation of how many IV fluids have been transfused on your pt by the end of your shift when it's time to calculate I/O's.

Tell the pt, "is there anything I can do for you now? If not, I will round on my other pts and come back in an hour to check on you." helps prevent constant interruptions for small things by reminding the pt that you have other pts but that you will still be checking back in an hour. Then always make it a point to round ever hour.

For those "hard IV sticks"... close your eyes. Sit down, get comfortable, and close your eyes. Feel for the vein with your fingertips. You will learn to differentiate and find that sweet little bounce. You'll soon be "a pro". Often you can feel what you can't see. Of course, don't handle sharp objects with your eyes closed :-)

If someone is just getting IV abx or fluids they don't need anything bigger than a 22.

Great tips!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!