Nursing education seeks effective and innovative ways to deliver quality instruction that will aid nursing students and hospital graduate or registered nurses in becoming competent healthcare authorities in peripheral intravenous catheter insertion. The research focused on the efficacy of using near infrared vein finding technology (NIVFT) to insert intravenous catheters with new first time nurses while studying perceived confidence level when performing IV cannulation skill. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to determine if the inclusion of NIVFT for patient IV cannulation as a prerequisite teaching method and preferred IV insertion method for novice and advanced beginner nurses improved anatomical choice and increased their confidence. The study examined the successful or unsuccessful IV cannulation attempt with NIVFT, based on first IV insertion only. Emphasized throughout the study is Patricia Benner's theory of 'Novice to Expert'. A paired t-test showed a significant difference in the confidence after the intervention of NIVFT endorsed by participants between pretest posttest survey results. The confidence level endorsed by participants' IV placement with NIVFT at pretest (n = 26, M = 3.65, SD = 0.33) significantly increased at posttest (n = 26, M = 4.16, SD = 0.36). The confidence level endorsed by participants' IV placement with NIVFT at pretest significantly increased at posttest. The results supported the use of NIVFT by novice and advanced beginner nurses during all levels of nursing education. The interviews, questionnaire answers, and discussions validated the nurses' positive experience using NIVFT as a prerequisite method for inserting peripheral intravenous catheters. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]