Terrified of the stick :(

[kellyrainRN]

Hi everyone!

I am a 4 year nurse, who is new to hemodialysis nursing (as in 1 week now:D). I'm really enjoying learning the process, but have to admit I am terrified of accessing the AV grafts and fistulas!! I was most recently a Labor & Delivery RN starting 18gauge IV's without problems (most days anyway), but the idea of sticking arteries with 15, 16, or 17 gauge needles makes me nervous. I'm just so afraid I will go through the access I welcome any and all advice from those who have accessed fistulas and/or grafts. Next week I will face the music and I want to be ready. Thanks so much!!

[zimm4er]

If you are used to sticking that is the main point. Your preceptor should have you sticking

"easy" people to get you confidence up. Don't think about the needle size, you are not the

onw getting stuck. Pt's that have been stuck a lot don't really feel it as much as you and I would. Just remember to rotate your sites--I work in acutes now and how I hate to see people come in with four holes in their access. Go slow to start with. You will be sticking the same people every other day--so you will get to know their access well. This is your first week??? Be ready for the feelings of I know nothing, but you do--You are a Nurse.

Good Luck

:yeah::yeah:

[AlabamaBelle]

I so know how you feel! I was a PICU nurse for 5 years and have just recently transferred to Peds Dialysis - I love it!

As for the sticks, I was very squeamish. My manager sent me to the adult dialysis unit to get experience on the adults. Went well. I am now regularly accessing the patients (except 1 and that's a whole 'nother soap opera in itself) with fistulas. Most of ours are fairly superficial. Most of the kids are more concerned with holding pressure than the stick!

You will be able to do this!

[ernbabjr, BSN, RN]

All I can say is PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT. And be confident with yourself. Good luck.

[workingmomRN]

Watch the experienced techs & nurses who are good "stickers". They will give you alot of helpful tips to make it easier for you. Sticking accesses is different, but remember that the grafts are made to accommodate larger needles so they can obtain better blood flow rates during their treatment. Don't let it scare you too much! You will do fine!

[islandroots]

Sticking the patiet is not as hard as it may seem. Feel the access. Then run your fingere along it to see which way it goes. Go in at a 45 degree angle. Once you feel th pop, level off and proceed slowly. If you feel resistance stops and see where the access is running. The first time I cannulated a patient, it took 6 sticks to get it right. I have now been in dialysis for 23 years. I still have a very rare infiltration.

Just make sure you are comfortable and take your time. Try to start with only well developed fistulas.

You can do it. Just get really comfortable with handling the needle.

Good luck.

I was a dialysis tech, then got certified, then an lpn, Now an RN. Practice and you will get it.

[nurseontheway]

This is my 3rd week in training and it can be very intimidating. I was about ready to give up last week but am glad that I didn't. I surely agree with 'practice makes perfect.' We have only been setting up and taking down the machines but I will start sticking people after Labor Day. I understand how you feel!

[diabo, RN]

It's very similar to sticking an IV, actually in many cases it's easier. Kind of the same principle only with a larger needle and a larger vein. Once you get the flash back, level off. I ease it in medium slow watching the pulse in the tubing for any change that may indicate that I've hit a wall. And if you blow one, just be more determined to learn. We all kick ourselves when it happens, cause it does happen to all of. There's hope for you as long as you don't get over confident.