When do we learn how to start an iv

panzyo3 · Jan 29, 2009

We learned all Iv insertions, meds, piggybacks and everything our first semester. We can do IVs in clinicals, but our instructor has to be there. Pretty much the only thing we don't do are blood transfusions and chemo drugs. The also didn't let us start IVs in our peds clinicals (because its hard enough trying to do that on adults when you are first starting out!)

kcochrane · Jan 30, 2009

Our school does not teach how to start an IV either. We do everything else. The area hospitals have their own program for new nurses (LPNs and RNs).

That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Jan 30, 2009

WHAT! We were doing IV's on each other week six of first semester. That class period was so much fun, but I lost lots of blood ha ha

ginabanina · Jan 30, 2009

We learn IV in Level II which I just started. My check off is Monday and after that I will be able to hang a primary, IVPB, push meds and start an IV with my clinical instructor present. I cannot believe there are so many programs out there that do not allow any of this.... I guess all I can say is, make the best of what you have and we all will learn the bulk of our nursing skills upon graduation and landing that first job!

pharmgirl · Jan 30, 2009

We did IV's almost straight out of the gate first semester....first skill was PPE and std precautions, next was IV's, then foley's, now(second semester)we're doing blood transfusions, IV push, BSE and TSE, trach care and NG tubes

VampRN · Jan 30, 2009

Wow! I really envy all of you who have gotten to do so much. Hopefully this semester will be different for me.

We have had te opportunity of hanging iv bags, no iv pushes and no foleys!!!

I will speak to my instructor come Thursday and tell her how all of these other programs are doing soooo much more than we are!!

Natingale, EdD, RN · Jan 30, 2009

pshtttt we cant insert a foley into a human being until semester 4 (last semester)

add me to the list of jealous ones

mb1949 · Jan 30, 2009

we don't learn to start IV's in our program, we actually did IVPB, and IVSS in Med-Surg 1 and 2, but I am going to graduate in May and have never started an IV, we don't even practice it in clinical lab, the reasoning being every hospital has there own training for IV starts so we will learn on the job, however, I would like to practice just to feel comfortable. we spend alot of time on vents, and NG, and PEG etc but no time on IV, oh well go with the flow I say. Anyway in NYC where I go to school and will practice, most hospitals have specialized IV nurses.

User123456 · Jan 30, 2009

we did foleys during our maternity rotation but no IV's till last semester but we can do them with a RN or instructor in the room on humans once we test out on it. I did a foley on a woman just befor a c-section. it was way differant that those skinny maniquins lemme tell ya!

86toronado, BSN, RN · Jan 30, 2009

Our school won't teach us how to start iv's because they say wherever we work will have their own system... I know what that system is - you follow the iv nurse for half a shift, and then they tell you that you must at least attempt to put one in on your own patient before calling them! I'm scared! At least I'm working someplace as an aide that trained me in phlebotomy, so I have the finding veins part down!

Cilantrophobe · Jan 30, 2009

Wow! I really envy all of you who have gotten to do so much. Hopefully this semester will be different for me.
We have had te opportunity of hanging iv bags, no iv pushes and no foleys!!!
I will speak to my instructor come Thursday and tell her how all of these other programs are doing soooo much more than we are!!

You should also ask her when you learn how to start an IV. Since it seems there is a big difference amongst programs in what they do and don't do.

That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Jan 30, 2009

Ok wow this thread really makes me glad I picked my school. Ive done foleys, trach care, NG tubes, IV starts/pushes/bags everything, injections, wound care and several other things in the first semester alone! I cant believe you can go through school without doing these things. I know and fully understand each place has its own procedure but that is such a cop out answer. Every centers policy/procedure is different for EVERYTHING in nursing. A lot of the stuff we learn is different at the clinical site we go to. It seems like a real tragedy you dont get to do these things while going through school.