Objectives To describe the characteristics, problems and interventions associated with performing peripheral intravenous catheterisation in difficult situations when registered nurses need support from critical care nurses. Background Only a few studies have focused on peripheral intravenous catheterisation problems or interventions to promote success. There is limited research on the education, knowledge, confidence and skills of registered nurses associated with successful peripheral intravenous catheterisations. Design A descriptive cross‐sectional survey design was used. Results A total of 101 questionnaires were completed by critical care nurses (n = 32) and 92 by registered nurses (n = 83); the total number of participants was 115. The same critical care nurses and registered nurses could participate several times on different occasions. Statistical analyses were performed using descriptive statistics. The patterns differed in part between the registered nurses who needed support and the critical care nurses who provided the support. Both registered nurses and critical care nurses used ultrasound to a very low extent (2.2% vs. 1.0%). The registered nurses indicated to a significantly higher extent (p = 0.02) that the veins were invisible and that they had performed the optional interventions. The success rate for critical care nurses was considerably high (86.1%). The most common place for successful insertion was the wrist. Critical care nurses performed fewer interventions, and they informed the patients and assessed that the veins were fragile to a higher extent. Conclusions Superior nursing skills are required in order to adapt and assess specific situations related to peripheral intravenous catheterisation difficulties and to choose the adequate interventions. Young and newly graduated registered nurses should be offered individualised training during the post‐educational period on how to assess problems and perform peripheral intravenous catheterisations in specific difficult situations. Relevance to Clinical Practice Simulation is suggested for practical training in order to increase patient safety related to the performance of technical skills such as peripheral intravenous catheterisation.