Thick/tough skin...

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Hi, former infusion nurse here, current ED nurse. I start a lot of IVs and can honestly say I'm decent at it. I work in an ED where I am sometimes the only nurse on duty, we don't have an IV team, and so I *am* the IV team. We are frequently called to the floor to start difficult IVs.

So, my kryptonite when it comes to difficult starts is the person with that tough skin. Just puncturing the skin with the needle takes so much effort that after that I'm kind of at a loss as to what next, and I often lose the vein in the process.

Any helpful tips for successful IV starts in those with tough skin would be much appreciated.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Just a thought - would applying a warm moist compress help to soften the skin any? Kind of like not quite getting the skin to become 'pruney' but just to soften it?

Just trying to help ...

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Specializes in Cardiac step-down, PICC/Midline insertion.

I know this threa is waaaay old...but an older RN once told me to use an 18 g with thick skin because it's not as flimsy. I've had success with this trick here and there. On these types of people I also try to look for the most superficial vein I can find....usually on the hands. Thick skin makes it tough...pun intended. lol :laugh:

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