Gray Answers...

We grow up taught that honesty is the best policy. While I don't believe any of us should purposely lie, I have grown to realize that many answers in life are not black and white, much is in the gray.

The other day at work my "go to" nurse was off, so I knew I had to start all the IV's on my own. When I get a hard stick or if someone comes in and the first thing out of their mouth is "you get one try" I go and get my wonderful co-worker who amazes me with her IV ability. Sometimes I really think she makes veins in people sometimes. Many of the people who come in our department are already somewhat ill, out of shape and not young...all of which add up to not easy IV's.

The last patient we needed to set up was a tiny little lady who was close to 80. She hadn't had anything to eat or drink since the night before (this was about 10:30 am) and we had worked her in because she was supposed to have surgery that day, but was unable because she didn't get cardiac clearance...so she was in a great mood already. I go through my whole speech on the test she was having, and just how much fun it was going to be and she let me know she was not that excited to be with me today...yeah...fun stuff. Then the fun part...the IV and injection... I roll up her sleeve to see what kind of veins we were working with...I see nothing...absolutely nothing. She then told me that sometimes when she goes to the doctor they have to try 6 or 7 times to get blood...wonderful. Finally I find ONE possibility. At this point I would have NEVER tried to stick her, but today I had no choice. She then asked me the question I hate to hear...

"Are you any good at this?"

In reality...I would say I am pretty okay, working towards good... at starting IV's. I get most, but some people just have nothing to work with, and some people just scare me. I've only been doing this for almost a year, and I was taught how to start IV's on the job....sticking volunteers. Half the battle is having the confidence and having a thick skin to what the patients have to say. Some people are NEVER happy and no one wants you coming at them with a needle, and not a small one at that. So I could have told her the truth and said I'm not really sure...or I could have lied and said oh yeah I'm wonderful but I took the Gray road and said

"I certainly hope so."

I then proceeded to say a small prayer and try to start her IV while she stared at me. First try...no flashback of blood..dang it! Don't panic...pull back a little and try again...thank goodness, GOT IT...please thread please thread please thread...whew...it worked.

I am teaching Taylor that honestly is always the best policy, but as an adult sometimes I live in the gray area...