With Vascular Access Devices (VAD’s) forever changing, new products being introduced how does the Nurse at the bedside keep their skills current? When working in either a small rural hospital or a large teaching facility, this is a challenge for the Vascular Access Team. Annual skills fairs are good way to keep the experienced nurse educated. The new graduate nurse and nurses hired that have no experience with these lines need detailed step by step instructions. Reading policies and procedures are a start, but hands on practice with a skilled nurse is the best way to know the nurse is ready to care for the patient with a line. Develop a team of experts who do the research, understand the changes in the industry, know the differences between open-ended and non open-ended catheters, CT vs non CT devices, Heparin vs saline flushes, etc. In small rural hospitals patients present with a variety of lines. This can be very confusing and can cause a lot of anxiety for any nurse. Who does the nurse consult with on the night shift? Is the house supervisor educated in these products? Include Vascular access education at every nurse meeting. Have monthly in services. Make sure the orientation check lists has all the elements needed. Always include return demonstrations for all nurses.
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