With many students per class, it is difficult to provide each student with an opportunity to practice IV insertion skills. It is not time efficient to keep reproducing this activity on a single task trainer. Prefabricated skin task trainer arms are very expensive. Replacement parts are also very expensive. We needed more than one task trainer so each student can demonstrate and practice IV insertion.

Building off the original Caboodle Noodle, you can use inexpensive, readily available materials to create a personalized task trainer for IV insertion practice. I purchased a pool noodle, cut it into 12-inch sections, and included IV tubing and a piggyback bag to simulate IV insertions on the noodle. Sealing wrap and tattoo skin covers the noodle, encasing the IV tubing. This allows students to practice IV insertions individually on their own task trainer. The IV tubing mimics a vein. It’s an excellent way to reuse IVPB bags, tubing, and expired IV catheters. The setup is portable, easy to assemble and disassemble. Inserting an IV catheter through the tattoo skin and IV tubing provides fluid flashback and mimics the feel of inserting a catheter through multiple layers, adding realism. It provides students an opportunity to feel the “veins” and practice IV insertion technique.

• To provide a cost-effective means for individualized student learning.
• The student will be able to practice saline lock insertion and removal.

• pool noodle
• IVPB bag of fluids (can be any size)
• secondary IV tubing
• IV catheter
• stapler
• tattoo skin
• multipurpose sealing wrap such as Glad Press’n Seal sealing wrap
• red food dye coloring (optional)
• IV extension set (optional)

1. Take a pool noodle and cut into 12 inch section.
2. Prime the secondary IVPB bag of fluids with IV secondary tubing. Make sure it is clamped.
3. Lay primed IV tubing only on top of noodle.
4. Wrap the noodle with a piece of multipurpose sealing wrap. Cover the whole noodle with the wrap. It is self-adhering.
5. Place the tattoo skin over the noodle and wrap. Staple tattoo skin in place. Making sure it covers the IV tubing.
6. Insert IV catheter where the “veins” are palpable and visual on the noodle. Look for fluid flashback. Add extension set if preferred.
7. Remove IV. Press area of insertion. Wrap will help decrease leaking.