MIND GAME It helps to distract patients before the IV stick.

WIGGLE YOUR TOES
The Power of Distraction When Starting An IV

The "distraction method" is a popular way to put the patient at ease when it's time for the needlestick. Ask the patient you're starting an IV or drawing blood on to wiggle her toes at the same time you're going to insert the needle into the skin. It takes her mind off of the IV stick, making her wonder why she's being asked to wiggle her toes. It has worked for many needle-phobic patients.