Believing in the buttonhole technique.

Vascular access cannulation for dialysis staff is the most difficult obstacle to overcome during the orientation process and can remain a challenge throughout one's career in caring for patients with renal disease. Learning the "buttonhole technique" can make venipuncture more comfortable for the patient and can eliminate the fear of failure for the cannulator. Not only does it preserve the timeframe of the patient's access, but establishes a routine process for the dialysis facility to follow for successful cannulation.