A universal gripping surface is provided on an intravenous catheter assembly.The universal gripping surface providesa plurality of surfaces whereby a user may grip the catheter assembly in adesired gripping configuration for improved balanceand control of the catheter assembly during insertion of the catheter.Additionally, the universal gripping surface includes aguard feature to prevent a user's unintended contact with various componentsof the catheter assembly whereby the contact mayresult in an undesirable "over the bevel" condition.