The I.V. and SCD (Sickle Cell Disease)
Dear Medical Community,
The following phrases are no longer acceptable excuses as to why you cannot start an IV on any patient especially, a Sickle Cell patient.
1- "You don't have any veins."
If a patient is talking to you...breathing and in need of an IV then, they have veins!
2- "Oh...you're a hard stick, hunh?"
*sigh* I would imagine that trying to insert a needle covered in a thin, flimsy plastic catheter into a vein is a challenge. Actually getting that catheter into the vein without going through it is difficult. Finally, being able to not only thread the entire catheter into the vein, get blood return and flush it with saline is rather hard regardless, of the circumstances. So, why is it necessary to single out one person or a group of people by applying such a label? When it's clear that the act of starting an IV is a very arduous job regardless of the patient's veins.
3- "Your veins are so little and they roll...have other nurses been able to get you?"
*smh* Again it's not helpful to point out the undesirable circumstances concerning the patient's veins. At best you're creating an environment of doubt. One in which, if you try and succeed, you're a miracle worker. On the other hand, If you make a failed attempt, it's still ok. For the simple reason that you've already laid the blame on your patient before you even started. Therefore, by even trying to take on such a laborious task, you still look good. After all, it's the patient's fault for having such messed up veins to begin with, right?
By asking if another nurse in the office or hospital unit has been successful in putting in the IV. You're simply giving yourself an out. While simultaneously, enforcing the negative stereotypes that plague SCD patients throughout their entire lives. All the while making your lack of skill their fault.
4- "It blew, AGAIN? What happened this time? What did you do to it?"
It is well known that SCD patients live large parts of their lives in and out of hospitals. Generally attached to machines that deliver blood transfusions, IV hydration and much needed pain medications and benadryl. Over time our veins become damaged...small, hard, often invisible to the naked eye. They are used and abused so much that even when we have a good IV, the vein just gives out because it's been used too much. This reoccurring incident is no one's fault especially, not the patient's.
In closing, please understand that blaming the patient for your lack of skill will no longer be tolerated. It is not the responsibility of the patient to train you in your field. We will no longer standby and continue to be villanized and blamed for your failure to study, train and practice skills that unfortunately, are detrimental to our care.
