Scared to death of IV's, please help!

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Hi,

Please don't laugh, but I am nervous about anything that has to do with IV's, even when it comes to hanging fluids. I haven't been around IV's in over two years, and only as a student before. Can some one please give me the basics on hanging fluids. I am afraid of introducing air into the line with initial starts and rehanging fluids. I am sure it is not as bad as I imagine it, but I need a little help with my anxiety. Thanks for any help you can give me.

I am afraid of IV care as well, but I am facing it. As an LPN in NY, we are not mandated to know IV care, but, the catch is that the job may require it and if so, they have the obligation to certify the nurse. I worked 6 weeks in med-surg before my regular assignment as a nurse in the clinic started and it was a mess for me. I had no regular perceptor, so, I saw different ways of how nurses performed their skill. I ran like a bat out of hell when it was time to leave, especially after they refused to give me an extra two weeks with the main focus being IV care. Now, however, I decided to work in med-surg per diem and I visited one of the LPNs that I trust. She walked me through it, and I decided I will go back. It can be fearful, but I also know that this is a basic nursing skill that I plan to master.

Another thing that scares me is catheter insertion. But, I plan to get that, too. You will be fine with some practice. Be patient with yourself.

Interesting how each state is different. In N.C. we have to know how to hang IV's and did it all of the time in clinical.

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