When should we place a Midline instead of a PICC line? Midlines are lines that are 20cm in length, the tip terminates in the upper arm and can remain in for about 10 days.  The patients that benefit the most

We all set personal goals for ourselves, but this year we should also look at our professional goals.  Creating a Vascular Access Team can improve patient care and satisfaction scores for our hospitals.  Having a team of experts to consult

Are you able to insert in the upper arm?  Are you accessing with a 7cm 21guage needle?  Most nurse placed PICC kits come with a short 22guage angio and a long 7cm 21gauge needle.  Which one do you choose?  Do

Implementation of a Central Line Maintenance Care Bundle in Hospitalized Pediatric Oncology Patients Michael L. Rinke, MDa, Allen R. Chen, MD, PhD, MHSb, David G. Bundy, MD, MPHa, Elizabeth Colantuoni, PhDc, Lisa Fratino, MSN, RNd, Kim M. Drucis, MSN, RNd,

Announcing A New Webinar Event Mandatory Reporting, Regulatory Requirements and CLABSIs: What’s Required Now? What’s Expected in the Future? Webinar Description: What are the latest regulations and other requirements related to the prevention of central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs)

“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year, millions of people acquire an infection while receiving care, treatment and services in a health care organization.  Consequently, health care-associated infections (HAI’S) are a patient safety issue affecting all

In the November 2012 Issue of Nursing Matters I read an article “Study finds strategies can reduce hospital infections”.   The article discusses ways to prevent Catheter Related Blood Stream Infections (CR-BSI).  It discusses adopting bundles of evidenced-based practices coupled with

September, 2012 Joint Commission released two new elements of Performance for the National Patient Safety goals 07.04.01.  During the on-site survey, surveyors  will require documentation that you have used a catheter checklist and a standardized protocol for central venous catheter

WISVAN (Wisconsin Vascular Access Network) had our quarterly meeting last night.  Troy Bettts, MS, RN President began the meeting discussing the difference between Negative, Positive and Neutral connectors for IV lines.  He discussed the history of the connectors and the

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