Tips for IV starts

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Any tips for getting better at IV starts? I have been on my own for 3 months and have hit 2 IVs. I know it's a basic technical skill, but I am not doing well at them. I don't like causing my patients extra sticks. I'll take technique tips, "old nurse tips" or any tip to help me start hitting them. Thanks!

In addition to Daytonite's response:

I particularly like Post #50 by teeituptom on this thread. It is "Vision the Vein, Be the needle" After 30 years of starting IV's I gotta say that this is so very, very true.

Try a venoscope, http://www.venoscope.com

seeing is believing.

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JUST wondering does anyone like the elastomeric infusion device? from people that have used it what is ur response to it?

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What bothers me most about starting IV's (this comes from working on an Ambulance) is being able to start IV's all day long, but having trouble when it comes to a critical patient and not being able to hit the broad side of a barn. With that said...be somewhat aggressive. Consider that your patient really needs the IV and that you are not the one being stuck. I have found that taking your time makes it more painful on the patient. Hope that helps.

Bill....EMT-P, RN-BSN

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