A combination cantilever push tab and finger rest is associated with the needle shield and extends distally from the distal end of the needle shield. The cantilever push tab and finger rest includes a cantilever portion that extends distally from the needle shield, preferably from an exterior surface of the needle shield, and an upstanding tab portion at the distal end of the cantilever portion. This configuration causes the upstanding tab to extend over the proximal portion of the catheter adapter and allows a clinician to insert a catheter using virtually any clinically acceptable technique for inserting a catheter into a patient.