What supplies do YOU use to start an IV?

[rnleigh]

Our ER has a committee to identify ways to more prudently use supplies (enviromentally and fiscally.) Emesis basins were targeted because staff use them for everything but emesis, namely as a disposable holder for IV start supplies. (Then they're dumped in the sharps container!)

Our staff is convinced that they cannot start an IV in absence of an emesis basin. I, personally, have never used an emesis basin to start an IV.

Please tell me what the practice is at your institution. These nurses are getting all worked up just at the thought of their pink basins being gone!

Thanks in advance for any ideas you can give me.

[cjcsoon2bnp, MSN, RN, NP]

We have 4 IV tray's where I work. Each is stocked with cotton swabs, alcohol swabs, saline locks, syringes, tourniquets and various sized angios... we grab the kit by the handle, walk in pt room, start IV, return IV tray to nursing station... very easy for all... we all restock the trays from the main stock cart if we have a few seconds extra... works well and no emesis basins needed

On my floor we have two IV trays and the nurses just bring the tray as close to the room as possible and grab the supplies they need for that patient. I haven't heard any complaints yet.

!Chris

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

If someone is isolated there is usually a supply cart with gowns, etc outside the room. You put the IV caddy on the cart outside the room, bring what you need inside with you, and if you need an extra something you can usually grab it off the caddy without touching anything else. If not just whip off your glove, grab what you need, put new glove on, and you're done.