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How to better nursing skills outside of lab practicals/simulations?

I’m currently in an accelerated nursing program and have noticed how quickly we move through clinical skills, often with limited time to really master each one before moving on to the next. With so many skills being introduced, it can feel challenging to build confidence, especially with more hands on procedures like IV insertion. For those who have gone through similar programs or are currently practicing nurses: how did you improve and practice skills like IV insertion outside of limited lab time? Where did you find opportunities, materials, or appropriate ways to practice? I’ve worked alongside nurses in a hospital setting and have seen that even experienced nurses sometimes need time to refine this skill on the job. However, I’d really like to enter practice feeling as prepared as possible and minimize the learning curve for the sake of patient comfort and safety. Any advice, resources, or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated.

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Shelley’s Answer

Hi Sahira, I completed my BSN degree with an accelerated program. I know what you are going through. If your skills lab offers extra days or time that you could get more practice, go to those. If not, express your interest for more practice to the appropriate clinical instructor. Even if they can't offer extra skills lab time, hopefully they will find a solution for you. Sounds like IV insertion is your interest to improve. This will be one of your most useful skills to master. My first career was as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist and I can say from being a tech and a nurse, that Nuc Med and CT Techs are some of the best IV starters. They are good because many times they work alone and must get the IV placed themselves. When I worked in the Endoscopy department, we had medical and nursing students rotate through who needed practice starting IVs. Ask if you can do this at your affiliated hospital/s. Either through the school or with the hospital. The hospital has a contract with your program so hopefully this could work for you. Endoscopy department's workday starts early, go start some IVs before and/or after class or clinic. They start large bore IVs, they have plenty of patients who need IVs and the nurses have good technique. IV placement is about confidence and intuition. When you know, you know. It's best to hone your technique with healthy patients. If this doesn't work out for you, then when you are in clinicals and bedside, quietly and politely let your nurse/s know that you are willing to start their IVs. Be calm, confident and focused when placing those IVs and during those times you may miss, don't fret over it. Learn from it and move on. Best of luck to you.
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