IV insertion "hard stick" tricks!

[@beautybratt642]

As a patient I’m a very hard IV start and I was trying to get idea’s to make it easier for my nurse when I’m going to get my rituxin infusion. Usually the hospital has to use an ultrasound and even that takes them at least 3 or 4 tries or they don’t get it at all. I put warm water bottle’s in my sweater sleeve’s to warm me up on the way there but honestly I’m so discouraged because my treatment’s are always postponed because of it and sometimes the nurse’s get really upset

[@Katherine_Ann]

Thanks for sharing!

[@mirandaalexis]

I just can't believe I go from a level 2 trauma center to level 1 and I'm the go-to IV sticker at the level 1 lol

[@kaffaie]

Don't forget that veins have valves, don't think you failed if you went in and got red flash back but then couldn't flush. Valves can usually be palpated. Also, if you can, avoid the antecubital fossa if they're running IV fluids. If they bend they're arm it occludes it. The cephalic vein that run just below the thumb and distal radius is a great site but it's definitely a painful stick. It's a shame we can't put IVs in feet

[@kaffaie]

Their*

[@Katherine_Ann]

Thank you Hamie! These are GREAT tips!

[@Bfisher-d2l]

Is this vein by the thumb ideal for IV drug users?

[@marypatfitzgibbons7577]

Thanks. I like your energy. Good tips. I was on a hospital IV team for a year and did home IV for 3-4 years, many years ago. I am starting a new position tomorrow IV nutritionals. I'm just reviewing before I go in. Your suggestions are on target, and that's what I did back in the day. :)

[@Katherine_Ann]

Thank you Mary for your comment! How exciting for a new position!

[@Basedmursenary]

I would never work in a setting that didn’t allow me to place an iv. That’s like one of the coolest skills.

[@Katherine_Ann]

That's how I feel too 😂 it's one of my favorite skills to perform!

[@sonestia777]

Definitely needed to see this video because I’m tired of being poked over and over for an IV and blood work

[@shurtugal81]

Stay hydrated and get more active. Weight training and cardio can help develop healthy vascular function.

[@JustAdude291]

​@@shurtugal81this

[@glencmac]

Can I use a heated blanket from the blanket warm instead of soaking a towel?

[@Katherine_Ann]

You probably could, but moist works better!

[@3vrything_3dits]

Could you do a video on how to deal with patients who make you nervous? The loudly say things like, you’re not going to like me. You’re not going to do this and that. Being new, it gets to me and I don’t know why! It feels so disheartening!

[@melissa90ify]

You have to fake it till you make it girl. Also, learn to tune them out, and once you finish let them know you were trying to focus on the task at hand. I notice that people antagonize as a coping mechanism when they fear the needle. I also offer them the right to refuse and/or let someone else attempt.

[@latifahgordeeva6198]

You'll get used to it as you get more confident in your skills

[@Abyss-id8cj]

You need to learn to tune that out. Nobody can make a video to help you with that, you need to help yourself

[@rachaelvaccaro3420]

I feel the same way! Some people anticipate you failing before u Even Try! I take a nice deep breath and say God is with me then I try to open my heart and realize the person is fearful and negative. Say a prayer for that person too!

[@trippynurse9880]

if you get flash and it goes away upon advancing, pull back on the cath until you get flash and then re-advance it. not recommended but this method can also sometimes get past a blown iv insertion too

[@meganhenderson9596]

Good tips. Will try. Thank you

[@Nagesh9999]

Thank you for sharing this information...

[@michellenainkristinabusch1221]

I'm an impossible poke. I've had 7 I.O.'s, 4 in my shin, 3 in my shoulder. I have absolutely no surface veins. They've used hot towels, tourniquets, vein finders, IV teams, even anesthesiologist's have failed. I now have a mediport for access

[@Katherine_Ann]

Oh goodness, that would have been miserable.

[@michellenainkristinabusch1221]

@Katherine Ann I.O's suck! The shoulder isn't as bad, but still painful. Thankful for my port now.

[@bonecrusher9745]

You are absolutely fabulous. How often do you stock up on water and how much do you usually get? What stores do you usually do your grocery shopping at? Hopefully soon you can do some in store grocery shopping videos and show how you stock up

[@Katherine_Ann]

Hi there! Did you happen to watch my dooms day prepper video?

[@bonecrusher9745]

I did see that one but I don’t believe you covered how much water you have and stock up on. I think that would be a great idea for a video

[@enriquematos158]

Hi Katherine! Just graduated from nursing school this May. Starting IVs on ENDO in couple more hrs haha. You have very awesome tips! But I'm also curious where is your accent from? I'm originally from Peru. Very helpful video! Thank you!

[@Katherine_Ann]

Congrats on graduating! I'm from Pennsylvania originally!

[@enriquematos158]

@@Katherine_Ann very nice accent. Thank you for your videos! God bless! Keep up the good work Katherine!

[@fRieNdlytravelers]

Hiiii Katherine!! New subscribers here! Great information! We loved the info! 🙏🏼 Practice practice practice. Everyone here will get better with that and your great info 😌

[@Katherine_Ann]

Thank you, and now Subscribed to y'alls page!

[@fRieNdlytravelers]

@@Katherine_Ann awe yes we saw! THANKS for the support love. In this together!

[@chrissy_crumbles]

Ive had a port (removed due to bacteremia) and 2 tunnelled catheters...my doctor placed another order for a port and im nervous. I know Im a very hard stick and that I need my infusions, medicines, fluids, etc but im so scared of getting another blood infection. The last one had me in the hospital from end if September to the beginning of November last year and Im worried.

[@Katherine_Ann]

Oh, wow. I'm sorry to hear that, Kayla. As the patient remember that you have options as to where you're pursuing care. Obviously that can be restricted based off location, insurance, and other factors, but make sure you're picking a facility that meets your needs and that you're confident with.

[@bodyminusMe]

I loath having to give blood I get poked 5 times before they realize they need to use an ultrasound to find a vein,

[@iceartist22]

thank you, I hope a lot of people are watching! I have hard veins from chemo, & it's a nightmare whenever I have to have an IV set -- EXCEPT at the cancer center, where they work with patients like me all the time & set IVs quickly & painlessly. So I know it can be done. (Also, WHY do they always insist on putting the IV on the back of the hand?? SO painful!!) :(

[@tuansonnong8208]

So cute and helpful. Thanks alot!

[@Katherine_Ann]

I'm glad it was helpful, thanks for watching!

[@poodledaddles1091]

Good tips!

[@caseyjames5452]

Nice.

[@richardtony1999]

IV in foot how

[@Katherine_Ann]

It'd hard but doable!

[@saltlifegull4091]

Dang right! Would rather have a natural childbirth than have multiple failed IV attempts! Going to tell these tips to other providers who try this and fail on me!

[@danceswithveilslily9342]

I thought all RNs were allowed to place IVs?

[@Katherine_Ann]

Not all actually! Ot depends on your employer, some facilities have IV teams and the bedside nurse does not place it.

[@joannaluca8495]

That’s because not all nurses now how to start IV’s

[@mitchwells4990]

Just fill a glove with hott water

[@anjquilinderino6634]

Im a hardstick and some medtech/nurses would take five attempts or more before they successfully draw blood from me 🥲 annual physical exam is such a stressful event of my life 😂

[@Katherine_Ann]

Oh goodness. Yeah, that's no fun at all.

[@TURTLEORIGINAL]

Just get an ultrasound and it will make your life and your patients’ life better too!

[@melissaclemons8922]

Thank you! Never new about the hot towel method.

[@Katherine_Ann]

Learned that from an IV Nurse!

[@abigailjaved4853]

You're really pretty ❤ and smart

[@Katherine_Ann]

Thanks for your kind words :)

[@heidijaber1736]

It would be nice to actually see a hard stick being done.

[@sim_aware]

Woo hoo! LOVE the tips videos! #SimTribe

[@elianacampos4628]

In my country IV's are placed by nurse, nurse assistant and nurse technician. No licence required. In nursing school there are no simulators, so we practice with real patients in hospital setting, we even administers medications 😂

[@eagle7757]

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 KJV, Jesus Christ is the only way...

[@hemmojito]

Positive and inspiring Check✔ and check✔

[@Katherine_Ann]

Thanks for watching!

[@laylpurtolondon788]

can v meet?

[@Shubhhmmm]

You are so so beautiful ❤

[@aman7879]

Not a helpful video. These tricks don’t always work

[@Katherine_Ann]

I'm sorry you felt that way. Do you have any suggestions? I'm always open to hearing them!

[@truegirl87]

Came across this video randomly. In my country nurses aren't allowed to place IVs and its done by the junior doctors mostly. We also don't have warm water or free access to the towels like that 🥲

[@Katherine_Ann]

Hey, Fringer. Thanks for watching! Depending on where you work in America, a medical facility may have a designated IV team that will do all IVs. The one I'm currently at is like that!