Document the complication appropriately and thoroughly. Don't feel threatened. Inform the patient of the adverse outcome, why it happened, what I can do about it, and what to expect from the action. Use direct patient quotes whenever possible. Many nurses don't document failed insertion attempts, needle gauge, or dressing applied.
Documentation suffers because of lack of time.
I always refuse to do something if I'm not trained to do it. I teach and practice the importance of good patient and family teaching and obtaining informed consent. I make sure I'm informed of new medications and procedures. Some charting forms that outline standards of care don't list actions to take if conditions fall outside the standards. Returning the I.V. specialist to a specialist role would decrease liability for the hospital and the practitioner and generate more positive outcomes for patients.