Abstract : Background: Intravenous (IV) cannulization is common invasive procedure used in clinical practice of hospital. Intravenous cannulization is the methods of insertion of a flexible plastic device with a stylet available, inserted to the vein to administer medications, fluids of blood transfusions. The Objective of the study was to find out the level of knowledge and practice on intravenous cannulization among nurses of Tamale Teaching Hospital in Tamale city. Methods: The study was descriptive type of cross-sectional in nature. The main study was conducted from January-March 2016 in Female Medical, Male Medical and Pediatric ward. The instruments used for the study were self-administrated questionnaire. A total of 49 categories of nurses who met the inclusion criteria were selected from the three (3) wards of hospital by using stratified sampling with simple random sampling technique within the strata. Results: Mean age of the respondents was 27.39±5.3 years. The majority of respondents were male (53.1%). Maximum, 92% of respondents were completed up to Diploma in Nursing. Among the respondents, 49% spend 5-6 hours of their time in the ward with IV connectors, 22.4% spend 1-2 hours, and 26.5% spend 3-4 hours with IV connectors. Conclusions: brief summary and potential implications A large-scale Regional study, using an updated (i.e. adding the zero device) yet similar questionnaire and targeting nurses, physicians, and students, is warranted to determine knowledge deficits and best education practices to increase knowledge in these three healthcare providers. Once the deficits and education mode(s) are determined then programmes can be established to meet these needs with research initiatives implemented and outcome criteria assessed for effectiveness. It is imperative that nurses rise to the challenge and take the lead to assist in solving this problem.

Keyword : Cannula, cannula, Intravenous, occlusion, phlebitis