standard of how many IV attempts

[megpwh]

I have been assigned the task to determine what is the standard of how many IV attempts is appropriate for one nurse (ex. 2 attempts per patient is most common in my experience) anyone have any links or sites I can find validation for # of attempts?

[Spidey's mom, ADN, BSN, RN]

Two tries, then call the Supervisor, then our CNRA who is awesome.

And he does GREAT epidurals!!

[cathy949]

2 ties for us and then we call in the meds, and if they can't get it they say that "perhaps they patient doesn't need after all"

[pwp1289]

we have an iv team to start ivs and they are usually excellent at starting them--i only try 2 times before calling icu for an expert

[WhiteCaps]

3 strikes and we're out! Tho we often give up at 2.

[dreamon]

I love the nurses that never miss..they are great.

I have been through the torture of getting stuck 6 times in one arm, and four in the next.(ahe same person, I guess she didn't want to ask for help) I was them sent from that clinic and told to go to the main hospital's lab and see if someone there could get it.

I walked in and sat down, and on the first try, a nurse got my blood drawn, I thanked her over and over.

I hope I am as successful as she is in getting the job done.

[Louie18]

They called me "One-Poke-Lou" and I'd say I hit about 80%.

[TraumaNurse]

2 attempts for awake patients unless in an emergency and no one else to help. Otherwise, if intubated and sedated, several more stabs won't hurt. If your IV Karma is off, get someone else who is having a better day because everyone has their good days and bad.

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

Three strikes and you're out is our facility policy.

Then you call the nurse manager for day shift, or the coordinator/IV nurse for night shift.

[Chrislynn2003]

Huh, as a patient myself in the hospital, I was stuck more than twice by one nurse. I have been stuck at least 4 times by one nurse. An anesthesiologist stuck me 5 times prior to surgery and still could not get access to a good vein. I've had people use heating pads and everything still with no luck.

[Nurse89]

Our policy: 3 strikes = out. I think 2 is enough, but lots of times, the 3rd times a charm...and...enough already...ouch!

[nurse51rn]

It's 2 tries at our place, too. Then I call the CRM. I've found that if I don't get it the 1st try, I won't get it the 2nd. :rolleyes:

[dprayvd]

aaaaa