kayakchic

Did you find a preceptor? I live here in Fayetteville too and know of one in Rockingham. I can give the VA info for students too.

I agree with Blessed RN. Great tips. I, too am a preop nurse and my hospital has a program that allows all new grads to shadow in the preop area for 1 or 2 days to get IV experience. At my hospital, we use lidocaine on all patients unless contraindicated. It is usually not used in nursing school, but can make it less painful for the patient if you don't hit the vein immediately upon entry. Some patients would prefer only one stick as opposed to the lidocaine stick as well, but if you've ever seen a nurse "digging" for that vein, you'll understand. It takes practice and gaining more confidence. Good luck!

It really does depend on your state. And to say it is beyond your scope of practice may actually be incorrect. In the area I work in (preop), we routinely access dialysis catheters for surgery if we are unable to get a peripheral IV. You need to know the policy regarding access and wasting and should be checked off prior to this. In my hospital, it doesn't matter whether you are an RN or LPN. On other units within the hospital, it is typical for the IV team to access them if needed. However, I would not think this would be the case in a nursing home. Some states use "dialysis techs" who are not nurses to access grafts as well as catheters in outpt settings. Check your state board of nursing.