Paediatric nurses' experiences of success and failure in first-time peripheral intravenous catheter insertion: A qualitative study

Abstract

PurposeTo explore in-depth the thoughts, anxiety factors, and experiences of paediatric nurses regarding the success and failure of first-time peripheral intravenous catheter insertion. Design and methodsThe study employed a qualitative research method using the phenomenology design. Face-to-face semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with nurses (N = 12) working in the paediatric service and neonatal intensive care unit of a teaching and research hospital. The transcripts were analysed using a phenomenological approach and an inductive process. ResultsFour themes were identified: Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Insertion, Experience of Success on the First Attempt, Experience of Failure on the First Attempt, and Proposed Solutions. Nurses felt a sense of happiness when they successfully inserted a peripheral intravenous catheter on their first attempt in paediatric patients. Conversely, they experienced emotions such as sadness, worry, stress, and anxiety when they failed and had to make repeated attempts. ConclusionUnsuccessful peripheral intravenous catheter insertions cause distress and anxiety for nurses, patients, and parents alike. Therefore, nurses' experiences of peripheral intravenous catheter insertions in healthcare settings should not be ignored and require improvement. Implications for clinical practiceUnsuccessful peripheral intravenous catheter insertions affect children, parents, and nurses negatively, thus reducing the success rate of repeated peripheral intravenous catheter insertions. Therefore, it is advisable for nurses conducting paediatric peripheral intravenous catheterisations to undergo periodic training. A specialised intervention team should be established for cases of initial failure, and a mentoring system between seasoned and new nurses is recommended.