Where can I learn to start an IV?

[SuesquatchRN]

School didn't teach it and my job now is not directly clinical. I want to pick up some per diem days here and there just to keep my skills but also know that people want a per diem who can, you know, DO something.

Thanks.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

CAH = critical access hospital

It basically means we're a rural facility in a medically underserved area.

[Not_A_Hat_Person, RN]

Wait, they don't teach you how to start IVs in nursing school?

My school didn't. Schools in my area don't teach IV starts. You're expected to learn on the job.

[WhoNeedsaShot?]

Do Medics transport to your hospital??

They will teach you, Im sure....... They sometimes have alot of time on their hands.....

Otherwise.. what about the lab? at least they may let you do blood draws... give you experience finding veins....

Or Perhaps the OB, Lots of IVs going on there?

Or what about the Patients going to surgery, they all get IVs?? Make friends with a surgeon:bugeyes:

There has to be some place!!

Ill keep thinking ................

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

WhoNeedsAShot, I'm going to pick up a couple of per diem days a month at the "big" hospital 60 miles south and I'll learn there.

:)

[cjcsoon2bnp, MSN, RN, NP]

This stuns me, too. One of the things I've always associated with nurses is starting IVs. Is there some kind of "probationary" time that new nurses are on before they are able to begin an IV? Does this depend on the school, or on the program? (Like ADN vs. BSN, etc.) Does this depend on LVN vs. RN?

I know that my nursing school doesn't allow student nurses to insert IVs or draw blood as a student because its "too invasive" but I will say that as a CNA at a big hospital I draw blood regularly. I will say that hypothetically I know CNAs who are in nursing school who have been taught and allowed to start IVs with the presence and assistance of an RN. I guess it just goes to show you that being in that kind of setting really allows to further your education.

!Chris

[WhoNeedsaShot?]

WhoNeedsAShot, I'm going to pick up a couple of per diem days a month at the "big" hospital 60 miles south and I'll learn there.

:)

Good Girl!!