so frustrated!

OK, I had to jump in here since I am a nurse.  Remember we don't enjoy sticking you any more than you enjoy being stuck.  Starting a line is not as easy as plugging in a lamp.  I have bad veins also but realize that they are trying to do a good job under less than ideal cir****tances.

Nurse tip: the day before you need an IV for anything Drink lots of liquids!  Try to get 64 ounces in.  Keep drinking right up to the time of your appointment.  If you are told no eating or drinking after midnight, ask if water is included, if yes, keep drinking right up until midnight or your bedtime.  Being well hydrated makes for easier IV starts.  If you are a smoker, don't smoke for a few hours before you are scheduled for the IV start, it constricts the veins, and makes it harder.  No coffee just before IV starts, same effect.

ok, i feel bad for the nurse's on this board. lol.  there are probably way more unhappy patients with bad vein stories than nurses. 

on the flip side, if you don't think you can get a vein somewhere (don't feel/see it) then why try?  that's what i was concerned with with my experience this morning.  The one said "well the first 2 sticks i didn't think i would get anything but tried anyway".  really?  plus, i just get frustrated with the people who just because they are a nurse/phlebotomist, etc... ignore the patient when they say "GO HERE!".  sometimes the patient does know their own body better than someone who has never met them. 

I was NPO for 4-6 hours but since it was first thing in the morning didn't drink since midnight so it was more like 7 hours.  on friday when i go to the other hospital i made it for the afternoon so i can drink in the morning to help the veins along. 

I'm a nurse too....I started out in a burn center...talk about hard sticks!!! Sometimes you don't know you can't get it until you can't get it....and remember you always have the right to refuse instead of getting crabby :) 

  I'm wondering if your local hospital is where I work!  lol   Sounds like your in the Philly suburbs?