How difficult is it to start IV's?

I'm a nursing student and I have to learn how to start IV's next semester. I'm pretty anxious about it. I know it's part of the job and I just have to get used it but I have trouble sticking peple. I was so nervous when I gave my first shot this past semester. Anybody have any tips or anything that could help? I'd appreciate it if only people with experience replies.

Try not to be too anxious about starting IVs. I know it is intimidating, but unfortunately the only way to learn is to practice. My advice is to try and start with a patient who is young, not overweight, and hydrated. Of course the ideal patient would be someone who can't feel what you're doing (unconscious or quadreplegic, but those types of patients may only be in ICU) I know you may not have a pick in who you get, but if you do, pick someone who meets 2 of those three categories. Make sure your tourniquet is very tight. For a lot of patients, that is the most uncomfortable part. Look for a vein that is straight and doesn't fork within the length of your catheter. My favorite spot is the vein that runs along the radius, just above the thumb and wrist. That vein is usually superficial and straight. Always start bevel-up and don't take too steep of an angle. Insert the IV tip and watch for your flash. Once you see it, lower you hand holding the IV so the catheter is more flush with the vein, so you don't go through the bottom. Don't insert the needle too far, but instead try and thread the catheter into the vein once the needle is in about 1/2 way. This will also help to prevent you from blowing the vein. Another responder said to hold the skin taught above and below your site to keep the vein from rolling. This is great advice. Try and watch one or two before you do one, and practice with the equipment to get a feel for it. Does your school have manequins? That can help, too. Just remember, you won't be alone the first time you do one. Use your instructor as a resource and let them know your are a little aprehensive. Good luck! Don't feel bad if you don't get it on the first try...some people can have very challenging veins!

if you know not very hard, but don't try it unless you go through school for it

You should start on someone with really good veins, to build your confidence. In my experience, it is easiest to start IVs on the back of the hand, because they are less likely to roll. Pull the skin taught before you insert the needle. The trick is to hold the skin taught very tightly. Also, if you have trouble finding a vein, warm wet compresses help bring veins to the surface. Once you get the hang of it and get confidence, it really isnt that hard. Just takes practice!

The difficulty level depends on the persons veins. An elderly person with fragile veins or a chronically ill person who has had many ivs are difficult. A younger person generally has good sturdy veins and muscles that hold them in place so they don't move and are much easier. Top make it easier for you to "stick people" remember that the iv is necessary to give them the medicine they need to get well. Sometimes medical treatment is painful but necessary.