Vascular Access Teams are increasing in popularity in acute care settings.  Nurses have become aware of the need for a VAT to assist in the care and maintenance of all vascular access devices.  This team has become a great resource

Nurse and Physician bundles can decrease the time needed to place central lines, decrease costs associated with supplies and they can aide in decreasing CR-BSI’s in your facility.  The CDC states in the 2011 Guidelines for the Prevention of Intravascular

Is your facility ready for Joint Commission?  Are you accredited by ACHC?  Have you implemented the National Patient Safety Goals?  Educating staff and licensed independent practitioners who are involved in managing central lines are listed in the Elements of Performance.

When caring for any CVC,  staff and patients need to be educated in prevention of  bloodstream infections.  Hand hygiene, masks, sterile gloves, sterile dressing changes and patient education are key elements in reducing infections.  Nurses and Doctors need to know