Large Volume IV Solution Shortages

It just doesn’t seem right that the national crisis with “drug shortages” would include  large volume (1000mL) IV solutions we commonly administer to our patients: 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection 0.45% Sodium Chloride Injection Lactated Ringer’s Injection 5% Dextrose Injection   But the reality is there is a shortage, IV saline solution, in particular is on…

4 -Ever More…

Today, the Infusion Nurse Blog is celebrating it’s “4th year” blog anniversary!!!  WOW…I can’t believe it has been four years already.  I am sincerely grateful and humbled  as our readers and site numbers continue to grow each year.  It is my hope that you will continue to visit, read, post comments, and subscribe to my blog posts.…

Looking for RNs inserting PIVs

If you are a registered nurse inserting short peripheral IVs , would you be interested in answering a short survey on peripheral IVs? The survey is open to registered nurses, whether you are part of an IVteam/PICC/Vascular access team or not, and actively inserting short peripheral IVs in all healthcare settings. The survey results will be integrated in…

Exhibit Hall Experience: INS 2013

This is the part of the INS Annual meeting that I always look forward to.  I am very grateful to all the vendors who were there whether they had something new to show or not because their products contribute greatly to patient care and safety. Their willingness to educate nurses is always appreciated. Just like…

Q&A: Bevel up or down

I am always delighted to get IV questions from colleagues on social networks. Occasionally, I post them on this blog in the spirit of learning. Here’s one on IV needle insertion. Q: Tell me do you insert a needle up or down? A: I am assuming the question you are asking pertains to the bevel…

Today’s inspiration…

In case you missed it just like I did, spare a few minutes and watch this short video on how a 15 year old  freshman in high school developed a paper sensor that could detect pancreatic, ovarian and lung cancer in five minutes for as little as 3 cents.     There is hope in the…

Celebrate March 19 Certified Nurses Day

A registered nurse (RN) license allows nurses to practice. Certification affirms advanced knowledge, skill, and practice to meet the challenges of modern nursing.Certification is a profession’s official recognition of achievement, expertise, and clinical judgment. It is a mark of excellence that requires continued learning and skill development to maintain. Today is a day to recognize board…

In case you are the IV patient…

I have now confirmed my blog readers are not only healthcare providers but are ‘actual’ patients. I get questions/emails/comments from them and they made it known to me that they are watching and noticing what we do to their venous access!!  LOL.. So in the spirit of sharing and learning, without revealing anything about them,…

It’s that time of year….

December 25…a day to celebrate Christmas or that special holiday you celebrate! Many people are off from work taking time to celebrate with loved ones, friends, and family.  Many are working to keep us safe or away at war striving to protect our country and to care for those who are ill. That includes nurses and…

Giving thanks once again..

I must say this year really went by so fast and it’s Thanksgiving once again.  Thanksgiving Day… a day filled with turkey/stuffing, pumpkin pie, an abundance of coma inducing foods, watching the “Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade” on TV,  football,  annoying jokes from the in-laws and oops  don’t forget the reason for this day… being grateful, humble, and…