When do we learn how to start an iv

VenaKavaRN · Jan 28, 2009

We're learning how in MedSurg1. I think a lot of it depends on your program. You might ask your instructors if it's a concern.

VampRN · Jan 28, 2009

oh wow! all i did in med surg 1 was give out meds, vs and am care.

thanks for your reply.:wink2:

shrimpchips, LPN · Jan 28, 2009

It depends on your program. We did a little bit with IV's last semester (for seriously like...a day lol) but we don't get to start them or anything like that until next semester.

LoneWolfRN2010 · Jan 28, 2009

MAN! as students we don't get to start IV's on real people at all! They only show us in the lab on the "sim-man" mannequin.

There are a lot of things we "don't get to do as students" like IV's and even checking a blood sugar! Then, when we graduate it's gonna be like "go do this" and we are all gonna be like "how...........?"

Duh.

StokedStudent · Jan 28, 2009

I just started my second semester (med surg 2) last Tuesday and we did IVs on Wednesday.

LoneWolfRN2010 · Jan 28, 2009

I wonder why our program doesn't let us do these things?

billythekid · Jan 28, 2009

I hear ya... truly, what are the programs waiting for? It makes no sense to me how unfair it is for a new grad to sit for the NCLEX and not have started an IV (or pushed IV meds)

Natingale, EdD, RN · Jan 28, 2009

I feel the same as all of you ..we cant start IVs on patients till we graduate

In the defense of the program, 2 people in my class stuck themselves giving a simulated IM/SQ shot to a rubber bag

With that said, its no wonder why they wont let us practice on humans

want to know the kicker? one of the students that stuck themselves is a phlebotomist

Byaggha · Jan 28, 2009

I think the reason behind not really teaching us is that most hospitals have their own system and training for it anyway - they're going to train us out of whatever we learn here, and into whatever they want done - so our programs aren't really going to be able to do anything but give us a glossed over basic idea of it anyway.

That's the impression my instructors have given me, anyhow.

NY-RN_Kay · Jan 28, 2009

In my school we don't learn how to start IV's but we learn how to hang bags and prime the line.

They say that when you start working, during orientation the hospital may teach you to start the IV

gaajr1, RN · Jan 28, 2009

I'm in second semester(med-surg, ob and peds) but towards the end of my first semester we studied everything about IVs; this semester we will be practicing in lab and actually starting an IV during clinical.