"The RN position I held before my current job in pediatrics was at an infusion center. I spent most of my days starting and managing patient IVs as they received their infusion medications. Because I worked in the infusion center for so long, starting them is almost second nature. Often, I find that patients are anxious about getting IVs, even in an infusion center environment, where they come in every so many weeks to get their medication. Since anxiety and stress can cause vasoconstriction in these patients, I do everything I can to explain the procedure and help the patient feel comfortable. I also take additional measures to make starting IVs easier on myself and the patient, such as placing a warm compress on the site to dilate the veins and, if possible, offering the patient water to help them hydrate. All these interventions help make the IV process easier for me, but it also helps patients relax and become more comfortable."

My skill at putting IVs in is good. I find I rarely have to ask another nurse to start my IVs. I have often had a patient tell me, "I'm a hard stick, just to let you know." But if I take my time looking for a good vein and then put it in, I am usually successful.