Porter Gets an IV aims to aid patients who are getting a vascular access device. The story follows a dog named Porter as he prepares for and receives an IV. The booklet can help ease procedure anxiety with its fun colors, staged pictures of Porter’s IV placement, and clear language on the steps of the procedure.
While clinicians created this story for children, anyone can use it to feel more comfortable with their procedure.
“When [patients] flip through the book, they think, ‘Maybe this isn’t so bad’,” said Jackie Lutes, BSN, RN, CPN, VABC™. “We’re trying to make it a more positive experience every single time a kid gets an IV start.”
Now available in Spanish, Hmong, and Somali to help even more patients with their procedure!
Designed by Clinicians
The book is easy to assemble and disinfect to ensure ease and safety of use for both patient and clinicians:
- Download your copy
- Print onto 8.5in x 11in paper (typical printer paper) and laminate pages. It looks best in color!
- Pack pages into a binder for patients to flip through.
- Bonus: add items into the binder pocket for tactile learners, such as IV extension tubing and needleless cap (connected to IV tubing).
Additional instructions for use found in the booklet.
About the Author
While working the evening shifts on her vascular access team, Jackie Lutes, BSN, RN, CPN, VA-BC™, noticed that not all pediatric patients had the same experience when it came to establishing a line. The patients who came in during the day had a child life specialist present during their procedure to explain the steps and give them comfort. She grabbed her phone, fetched her pup, and created Porter Gets an IV.
Our sincere thanks to Jackie Lutes and her team for collaborating with the Vascular Access Certification Corporation to share the story with others!