RNHungryForKnowledge

I graduated from a BSN program in 1983. We were not even taught how to administer an IM injection via dorsogluteal site because of the danger of sciatic nerve damage (we were educated as to its inadvisability). We were taught to use the ventrogluteal site in adults (for 2 or more mls), and I have been using it ever since, unless there is a reason the vastus lateralis is preferred, which I won't go into here. What I don't understand: since I have graduated 23 years ago, most other nurses I've worked with have been using the dorsogluteal site! After a while, I began wondering if I missed the boat. Maybe my school was backwards or something--after all, it was in Indiana! Most of the literature now tells us that the ventrogluteal site is preferred over the dorsogluteal, and I think it is our responsibility to get the word out. I also have had a painful injection in the dorsogluteal location which I felt when it was given--made my leg jump. And, I have had some numbness and tingling in that leg ever since. It is not pleasant, but there are plenty of people who have not sued anyone about it. We shouldn't just be afraid of lawsuits, right? Let's do what is best for the patients/clients/residents of our communities. Thanks for listening to my sermon. Feel free to give me yours. I'm all ears