..if we see veins like we had X-ray vision and insert IV catheters with one stick in patients with difficult to find veins?? Well, now there are several devices that can make the “venipuncture” experience much more tolerable, improves patient satisfaction and eliminates sticking patient’s veins blindly. They are called “vein-detecting” devices that use different types of technology and…
Midline catheters have been around since the 1950’s and with the increasing popularity of other venous access like PICCs, many have forgotten about this viable option for venous access. So let’s take a second look… A midline catheter is approximately 3-8 inches long and is inserted in the antecubital area and advanced into the peripheral…
March 19 every year is a day to recognize board certified nurses in many nursing specialties. Certification is a profession’s official recognition of achievement, expertise, and clinical judgment. It is a mark of excellence that requires continued learning and skill development to maintain. In infusion nursing, many are confused with the terms “certification” and“certificate”. These two…
Sounds familiar? Growing up, it’s my favorite Sesame Street segment. At several recent meetings with physician groups and administrators who were getting ready to open up an infusion center, it became very obvious they were confused about the following. 1. An infusion nurse (aka IV nurse) is not the same as a phlebotomist. An infusion nurse…
Just a few interesting articles… 1. “Poppy Pocket” – a safe and discreet way for patients to manage their infusion pumps. What a great idea! How many times have our patients complained of having to carry their pumps and nowhere to put it? This was designed by a daughter of a patient who battled cancer and…
…it burns when you flush my port! In case you missed it… “The Case of the Painful Port” a very interesting article published by ONS Connect and shared by a twitter colleague @ONSmark. Read article here… This case is a very good reminder for us nurses to stop and listen to what our patients are…
In 1980, the professional practice of infusion nursing was formally recognized when the United States House of Representatives declared January 25 as IV Nurse Day. This recognition was the beginning of what the infusion specialty has become. Specialization marks the advancement of nursing practice. It signifies that nursing has moved from a global approach to…
and I am wondering if what seeped into my arm will yield any medicinal benefit or if it’s like not getting anything at all? This was a question posted by a reader of this blog. Thanks for posting this interesting question. While I could have readily given an answer based on my experience, I wanted…
Register to attend a FREE webinar on January 24, 2012 and receive 1.0 contact hours in nursing. Topic: Are you there yet? Integrating Infusion Nursing Standards into Your Practice The Infusion Nursing Standards of Practice are applicable to nurses providing infusion therapy across all healthcare settings. Whether you care for patients with vascular access requiring…
2011 went by so fast and just like most of you, I can’t believe it’s already 2012. 2011 was a good year f0r me professionally and an equally good year for this blog as well. Through this blog, I have met so many wonderful individuals, learned so much from them, and very grateful for their…
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