RN thinking of quitting job b/c of IV's.

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Hi all,

Im gonna start out with the basics. I'm 24, been a nurse for right at 2 years. I've had three nursing jobs so far. I've been at my new one for around 2 1/2 months. I also had a stroke a birth so my right side is weaker than my left. I say that because nursing school was hell for me because I had to learn differently from everyone else because I have very limited use/dexterity in that right hand. Most skills I have become decent at. However, IV's are my weakest link. I do really well threading because it's one handed, not so well with connecting the tubing. My new job is an infusion clinic where we do iv's and ports all day long( I was not aware of how many iv's because we are a cancer center". I SUCK. Their equipment is different(harder for me to use) and no one is helpful. If I don't get an iv I feel like the worst nurse ever. The nurses are mean and one literally cusses at me. It's getting to me. Advice please. Thinking of going back to my old job, especially since I'm pregnant now and they would reinstate my hire date so that I would qualify for 12 weeks off with my baby.

I was told we didn't do that many iv's. I actually thought we only did ports. And I don't have trouble with every patient because I hardly ever miss a port and can do those 100% on my own. And the iv's really don't have much to do with my weakness, in fact, I think I may have the advantage because I'm so used to doing everything with one hand that threading an iv catheter is nothing to me. It's finding the veins that is hard for me, especially these patients because most of them don't have good veins, and then once accessed, getting the tubing on because they don't use an extension set, they just use the lock that goes right onto the hub. And after I posted this I asked my manager about getting the extension set because we are owned by the hospital and that's what they use so I don't think it's that big of a deal to get some sent down from the hospital.

Okay, but you originally said it wasn't starting IVs that was the problem it was actually connecting the tubing which you'd still have to do with ports. That's why I answered the way I did. If the difficulty is actually starting IVs, that's an entirely different thing, you'll get better at it with time. Nobody is great at it for the first few years especially with cancer patients and your co-workers know that and should be understanding. The problem with those extension tubings is if you draw blood at the time of your initial stick the extra tubing can be problematic which is likely why they don't use them in the first place. I'm sorry you're having these struggles. It certainly takes the shine off a new job.

Also, if you use the quote button your answers will be much easier to follow.

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Specializes in ICU.

Do your coworkers know about your physical difficulty? Don't quit.

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Specializes in LTC, Rehab.

Does the one that literally cusses at you know you have a disability? They're a real jewel, aren't they?

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Pediatric Float, PICU, NICU.

Three jobs in 2 years as a new nurse seems a little excessive, I think if you can hang in there you should unless you know for sure your old job will definitely take you back and that you won't be more miserable there (you did leave for a reason, afterall). I also am a little confused as to whether the issue is the actual IV start/poke, or the connection tubing - as another poster mentioned, the ports have to be connected to tubing too so I am curious the difference in difficulty with connecting the tubing to the port versus to the IV if that is the issue. Either way if the issue is starting IVs or connecting the tubing once they are started, both are definitely one of those things that should get better with time and practice even with your disabilities and quitting won't do any good in helping that. I can understand the frustration of your coworkers if you are needing assistance every time considering how busy infusion centers can be, but verbal abuse isn't acceptable in any situation so hopefully you stand up for yourself. I would suggest speaking with management regarding your coworkers behaviors or even speaking with those coworkers directly so that they may be more understanding.

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Three jobs in 2 years as a new nurse seems a little excessive, I think if you can hang in there you should unless you know for sure your old job will definitely take you back and that you won't be more miserable there (you did leave for a reason, afterall). I also am a little confused as to whether the issue is the actual IV start/poke, or the connection tubing - as another poster mentioned, the ports have to be connected to tubing too so I am curious the difference in difficulty with connecting the tubing to the port versus to the IV if that is the issue. Either way if the issue is starting IVs or connecting the tubing once they are started, both are definitely one of those things that should get better with time and practice even with your disabilities and quitting won't do any good in helping that. I can understand the frustration of your coworkers if you are needing assistance every time considering how busy infusion centers can be, but verbal abuse isn't acceptable in any situation so hopefully you stand up for yourself. I would suggest speaking with management regarding your coworkers behaviors or even speaking with those coworkers directly so that they may be more understanding.

Okay so, yeah I agree about the three jobs that's why I don't wanna leave but I know for a fact my old job would take me back(my husband works at the hospital and talks to the directors everyday), plus their iv's are completely different and I don't have much trouble with them because the blood does not come back out of the iv and I can take my time. I left because it was night shift and I couldn't do it anymore, it was putting a strain on my marriage. And I guess I should word it as the actual iv poke is not hard when it comes to my weakness. The tubing is where it plays a part in my weakness. But I'm still not good at the actual poke, probably because I haven't had much experience plus I have a lot of anxiety and that doesn't help. I can do the port tubing because it has an extension and I can grip it better. Management and her are like best friends. So I know that would just be gossip, and honestly most of the time(if I get the iv) all they have to do is connect the primary tubing to the lure lock for me. I can do everything else, it's just a lot more challenging for me not having that extension tubing for the iv because sometimes I don't get it tight enough.

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Does the one that literally cusses at you know you have a disability? They're a real jewel, aren't they?

Yes, she does. She doesn't care, I actually don't even think she realizes what she says hurts my feelings to the point that I've went and cried in the bathroom.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Pediatric Float, PICU, NICU.
Okay so, yeah I agree about the three jobs that's why I don't wanna leave but I know for a fact my old job would take me back(my husband works at the hospital and talks to the directors everyday), plus their iv's are completely different and I don't have much trouble with them because the blood does not come back out of the iv and I can take my time. I left because it was night shift and I couldn't do it anymore, it was putting a strain on my marriage. And I guess I should word it as the actual iv poke is not hard when it comes to my weakness. The tubing is where it plays a part in my weakness. But I'm still not good at the actual poke, probably because I haven't had much experience plus I have a lot of anxiety and that doesn't help. I can do the port tubing because it has an extension and I can grip it better. Management and her are like best friends. So I know that would just be gossip, and honestly most of the time(if I get the iv) all they have to do is connect the primary tubing to the lure lock for me. I can do everything else, it's just a lot more challenging for me not having that extension tubing for the iv because sometimes I don't get it tight enough.

You not being great at the actual poke isn't as big of a deal (although being an infusion center it is an important skill) as you've seen from the replies of several nurses who have been nurses for years and still aren't that great - the big thing is you continue to try to improve this skill and with time it will probably improve in regards to the actual poke.

I still believe, based on what you said, that the tubing is also an issue that you could overcome with more practice and adaptation. Sure it may take you a little longer, and you may make a bloody mess because it takes you longer to connect the tubing to the catheter hub, but that doesn't mean it can't be done. Perhaps trying with your other hand, even if it isn't your dominant hand, can help improve it and you could train that hand to tighten it enough.

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Do your coworkers know about your physical difficulty? Don't quit.

Yes, ones great. One is dreadful.

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So I know that would just be gossip, and honestly most of the time(if I get the iv) all they have to do is connect the primary tubing to the lure lock for me. I can do everything else, it's just a lot more challenging for me not having that extension tubing for the iv because sometimes I don't get it tight enough.

This may be an unpopular opinion but if you do as many PIVs as you are implying it really isn't your co-workers responsibility to make up for your deficiencies. I don't mind one bit helping mine and I frequently do but if there was a person who routinely could not do something I probably would start getting a little frustrated too. You need to be able to do the job. It's your responsibility to figure out how. I'm really sorry you're struggling like this. It must be frustrating.

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Don't be hard on yourself. I've worked with nurses that have been at the bedside for 20 years and still aren't great at IVs. However after 2 years if that is still a weakness for you, then working in infusion may not have been the best choice. Unfortunately bedside nursing is also 90% a physical job. That is, your brain is 10% of the job, your body is 90%. So if you have some physical challenges, then bedside nursing might not be the best long-term choice. I would consider doing something outpatient/administrative or where IV placement isn't a big part of the job. Those types of jobs are generally more enjoyable, lower stress, and have better hours. There are lots of options in nursing, find the one that fits your skills, abilities, and desires the best.

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You not being great at the actual poke isn't as big of a deal (although being an infusion center it is an important skill) as you've seen from the replies of several nurses who have been nurses for years and still aren't that great - the big thing is you continue to try to improve this skill and with time it will probably improve in regards to the actual poke.

I still believe, based on what you said, that the tubing is also an issue that you could overcome with more practice and adaptation. Sure it may take you a little longer, and you may make a bloody mess because it takes you longer to connect the tubing to the catheter hub, but that doesn't mean it can't be done. Perhaps trying with your other hand, even if it isn't your dominant hand, can help improve it and you could train that hand to tighten it enough.

Thank you, maybe I just thought most nurses were good sticks, makes me feel better that I'm not the only one. And yes I am very determined, after all I did make it through nursing school

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You not being great at the actual poke isn't as big of a deal (although being an infusion center it is an important skill) as you've seen from the replies of several nurses who have been nurses for years and still aren't that great - the big thing is you continue to try to improve this skill and with time it will probably improve in regards to the actual poke.

I still believe, based on what you said, that the tubing is also an issue that you could overcome with more practice and adaptation. Sure it may take you a little longer, and you may make a bloody mess because it takes you longer to connect the tubing to the catheter hub, but that doesn't mean it can't be done. Perhaps trying with your other hand, even if it isn't your dominant hand, can help improve it and you could train that hand to tighten it enough.

Thanks. I appreciate it.

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