This article reports the findings of a survey of nurses' knowledge and anxieties about intravenous (i.v.) therapy. The anonymised questionnaire survey canvassed nurses' views on education in the use of i.v. devices, complications arising from i.v. therapy, and which side-effects caused them greatest concern for patient welfare. The author reports widespread dissatisfaction with the level of education that is provided and cites published guidelines and reports which can help to inform nurses.