IV Skills You Should Master to Run Your Own IV Hydration Business
Updated: Feb 8
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Finding the ideal self-employment opportunity in healthcare necessitates some extensive searching. You must understand what professional skills you could bring to the table, as well as which self-employment ideas best suit your personality.
You really ought to think about owning an IV hydration business. The creation of a small drip lounge is an amazing secondary hustle.
Here are some of the best IV starting techniques for administering IV hydration therapy. Many healthcare professionals need to learn such important IV skills. IV insertion is one of the most basic skills you should learn, but it can also be one of the most difficult to master if you lack practice and confidence. The majority of sharpshooters have honed their skills through years of practice and experience in the field.
Here is an overview of some important IV skills you need to master before considering owning your IV hydration private practice:
Vein Dilation and Site Selection

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Before beginning venipunctures, there are several factors to consider:
1. The type of solution that will be infused
Hypertonic solutions and medications cause vein irritation.
2. Vein condition
Use a soft, straight, bouncy vein; if it feels like a cat's tail when you run your finger down it, avoid it! Additionally, veins near previously infected areas should be avoided.
3. Therapy duration
Select a vein capable of supporting IV therapy for 72-96 hours.
4. Catheter dimensions
Hemodilution is critical. Additionally, the catheter's gauge should be as small as possible.
5. The patient's age
Children and the elderly require more time for assessment and management of insertion.
6. Patient action
Patients who use crutches or a walker require catheter placement above the wrist.
7. The presence of disease or prior surgery
Patients suffering from vascular disease or dehydration may have restricted venous access. Additionally, If a patient is suffering from a condition that causes poor vascular return (mastectomy, stroke), the affected side must be avoided.
8. Shunts or grafts are present
Dialysis should not be performed on an arm or hand that has a patent graft or shunt.
9. Anticoagulation therapy is being administered to the patient
Patients on anticoagulant therapy are more likely to bleed.
If the nurse is aware of the anticoagulant therapy, local ecchymoses, and major hemorrhagic complications can be avoided.
10. Patients suffering from allergies
Allergies to medications, foods, animals, and environmental substances should be discussed. Additionally, it is important to determine the allergens:
a. Iodine
As a skin preparation, avoid povidone-iodine.
b. Latex
Create a latex allergy cart.
Techniques for Vein Dilation
To dilate the vein, use the following methods:
1. Tourniquet
The most common tourniquets used are latex or non-latex. Additionally, it should be placed 6-8 inches above the site of venipuncture.
2. Fists clenched
Instruct the patient to make and close a fist.
3. A vein is being tapped
Flick the vein with your thumb and second finger to release histamines beneath the skin and cause dilation. Additionally, it is important to avoid slapping the vein.
4. Cuff for measuring blood pressure
Inflate to 30 mmHg; ideal for sensitive veins.
5.Tourniquet technique with multiple tourniquets
Apply two to three latex tourniquets: one high on the arm and leave for two minutes; the second at the mid-arm below the antecubital fossa; collateral veins should appear. If necessary, add a third.
Catheterization (Catheter Insertion)
1. Needle choice
Catheters come in a variety of sizes known as gauges. The smaller the gauge number, the thicker the catheter and the faster medicine and blood can be administered and drawn. Thicker catheters are more painful to insert, so don't use a catheter that's larger than you need.
Prior to venipuncture, the catheter tip should be checked for integrity. Only two venipuncture attempts are advised.
2. Preparation of the site
After you've put on your gloves, you'll need to prepare the insertion site. Then, work from the center outward in a circular motion for 2-3 inches for 20 seconds.
a. Apply an antimicrobial solution
Make use of enough friction.
b. Shave the site
Shaving can cause micro-abrasions; instead, use scissors or clippers to remove hair.
c. Depilatory creams are not advised
There is a chance of an allergic reaction.
d. Do not use 70% isopropyl alcohol
Povidone-iodine is rendered ineffective by alcohol.
e. Use one of the following solutions to clean the insertion site
Chlorhexidine gluconate 2% (preferred)
Iodophor (povidone-iodine) (povidone-iodine)
Isopropyl alcohol 70%
Catheter Insertion into Vein
1. Position the extremity in a dependent position
Gravity slows venous return and causes veins to dilate. Therefore, extending the veins makes it easier to properly insert the needle.
2. Firmly apply a tourniquet 15 to 2 cm above the venipuncture site
Explain that it will be uncomfortable. The tourniquet should be tight enough to prevent venous flow but not so tight that it prevents arterial flow.
Catheter Stabilization and Dressing Administration
The catheter should be stabilized in a way that does not obstruct visualization so that you can inspect and assess it later. Follow the steps below to accomplish this:
1. Tape the catheter using the U, H, or Chevron method, or as directed by the manufacturer
Make use of three strips of tape (about 3 inches long).
2. Wrap the tubing with tape and secure it
The tubing is looped and secured to prevent the weight of the tubing or any movement from pulling on the needle or catheter.
3. Dress the venipuncture site and tubing in accordance with the guidelines
Take the Risk and Start Your IV Hydration Business
We are here to assist you in taking control of your life and career by becoming a self-employed healthcare professional. It is worth trying!
If you're currently working a boring, full-time, exhausting job and you are interested in starting your IV hydration private practice, we can help you get started. With different guides, courses, and helping you get out there after learning the basics, here is all you need to get started.
We exclusively offer you the Medical Aesthetics & IV Hydration Skills Workshop, a one-day skills and demonstration workshop, for licensed healthcare professionals who want to learn intravenous therapy techniques but do not have the time to attend a lengthy course.