Dear Seniors
Story time.
One time on duty, I was the charge nurse. I had a patient who needed to undergo a cranial CT angiogram. I had established IV access with good flow in her antecubital area, but it was a 20-gauge (G20) needle. Imaging called and said they wanted a G18. I tried inserting one but failed because the patient was dehydrated; the backflow disappeared as soon as I advanced the cannula further. I informed my supervisor and the chief nurse, who was present, that I wasn't able to insert the G18 in the desired area. They recommended trying to insert the G18 right beside the existing G20 and then just removing the smaller line.
Then, the senior nurse who was supposed to inject the contrast called. She asked for my name. Of course, because I was a junior, she immediately got pissed off. She started saying they needed a G18 because they had reasons for it, not just because they "wanted" it. I completely understood that a G18 should be used because of the pressure of the contrast dye, but what could I do? I couldn't insert it, and even my supervisor couldn't find a viable vein.
She lectured me in a very rude tone and then demanded to know who my senior was. I just handed the phone to my supervisor. The senior on the other end apparently didn't realize she was on speakerphone. My supervisor explained to her, "We cannot find a vein for a G18, but the G20 that is already there has great flow."
Suddenly, the senior who was injecting the dye calmly said, "Oh, it's okay, we can work with that. No need to insert another line as long as it's a G20 with good flow."
I honestly couldn't believe my ears. After practically calling me stupid for not being able to insert a G18 and talking down to me so rudely, she completely changed her tune. I know I'm new, but don't I deserve the same basic respect?
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