MONKEY OFF MY BACK

I have had the opportunity to work a few hours in the evenings at a Urgent Care facility. The other night I had to place three IV's. I struggled with all three. I went home frustrated and angry. I don't get to do IV's that often and I work very little. I had had reasonable success so far in my job with IV's and was frustrated to have such a bad night. It does take skill and a bit of confidence when placing them. Many times you have to place them under very stressful circumstances. Obviously I am a little rusty and therefore my confidence level is a little low. Missing three in a row did not help my confidence at all. Following that night I left a message with my supervisor to see if there was a skills day or a day that I could practice. She did not respond to my request and I was felling frustrated. I worked again on Monday night I found myself feeling very anxious about the possibility of missing another IV. The doctor I was working with overheard my concern and immediately stuck out her arm. We had a small break and she told me to get my stuff together and practice on her. Talk about pressure. Everyone from the lab, x-ray, front desk, and even the other doctor came to watch me place an IV in her arm. I made two attempts with two different types of needles. I HIT BOTH THE FIRST TIME. They both ran well and I was relieved. The doctor sat me down and told me that my technique was fine and that I just probably had a bad day. I felt that too, but definitely appreciated the practice.

Would you give your arm up for practice on a rusty R.N.? To be honest, I am not sure I would have. Thanks again for you help Dr "P".