Celebrating National IV Nurses Day with UCSF’s Romeo Paguyo
When Romeo Paguyo moves an ultrasound probe to locate a vein, every adjustment is measured in millimeters. One small shift can mean the difference between a successful IV placement and another painful attempt for an already anxious patient. This Sunday marks National IV Nurses Day, and Romeo represents the precision and compassion that define this specialized field.
Romeo is one of three specially trained IV nurses, alongside Kelly Timothy and Don Nemeuier, whose expertise has transformed department operations. Using ultrasound technology to visualize veins beneath the skin, they can access difficult cases that traditional methods often miss.
Daphne Penaflor, MS, RN, Nurse Supervisor, recognizes what makes them exceptional: "A great IV nurse possesses a combination of technical skills, clinical knowledge, and interpersonal qualities." The impact is significant: "The presence of three specially trained IV nurses has significantly improved department efficiency, reducing delays in initiating diagnostic procedures."
Romeo’s motivation was personal. After watching his former emergency room colleagues master this technique, he knew he needed the same skill. “I wanted the skill for my patients and for myself,” he explains. The results speak for themselves, “Ultrasound guided IV placement reduces the number of total attempts on difficult peripheral IV access patients. This goes a long way with patient comfort and confidence in the eventual procedure.”
During training, Romeo discovered just how precise this work demands to be, “The movements are literal micro movements and measured in millimeters.” Yet beyond technical mastery, Romeo understands that patient connection matters just as much. “Rapport building starts at hello and during the actual needle time—talking about the patient’s job, children, or interests is an effective way to ease anxiety.”
For Romeo, being an IV nurse means serving as both a skilled technician and a patient advocate. “We’re here as a resource and advocacy partner. Ask any questions you may have,” he says. What drives him each day is straightforward, “All the people I get to help and being a small but very necessary part of their journey towards diagnosis and treatment.”
Romeo and his colleagues remind us that expertise paired with genuine care creates the foundation of exceptional patient experiences.