I'm having trouble with nasogastric (NG) tube placement. Any advice?

You need to find the most open side of nasal cavity. People usually have one side that has a larger opening. Make sure your Cather has enough jelly and go slowly. If the Cather is in the throat pull out and start again. It really takes a few tries and gets easier

Place your lubricated NG tube in the nare that is larger or that the patient has had no issues with. Advance the tube until the patient acknowledges she can feel it at the back of her throat. Advise the patient to begin to swallow several times in a row as you advance the tube. Let her know she will likely gag until you are past the back of the throat and into the esophagus. You can stop for a few seconds at that point to let the patient try to relax, then advance the tube on down. If the patient continues to cough and gag, I would remove the tube as you may be in the lung. Then you would have to begin again. The patient can be a big help by swallowing for you. Occasionally, a patient cannot tolerate the procedure, and it may have to be done in radiology. This is just how I did it over 50 years ago. I’m sure there are others with many helpful tips.