In 1980, the professional practice of infusion nursing was formally recognized when the United States House of Representatives declared each 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 a…
We’re 10 days into 2014, is it still the New Year? Oh well, there’s still time to say hello to 2014! I can’t move forward without looking back to 2013. It was a great and challenging year not only for this blog but for healthcare in general. In 2013, this blog turned four years old…
A few year ago, I posted a blog wondering what it would be like if Santa was one of my infusion patients. Well, Santa didnt become my patient but I thought, just like a holiday ornament, I’d take it out of the box, dust it off and share it with all of you again. So…
There’s so much to be thankful for and here at Infusion Nurse Blog, I would like to thank each of you for reading and supporting this blog. I hope I have provided you with good, relevant and practical information you can use in your daily practice. Thank you to each of you for your comments…
Q: A twitter colleague posted: Can you give blood through an IO? A: IO as in intraosseous access. An old concept that is now getting more attention as an alternate access for infusion therapy in emergent and non-emergent situations. IO access uses the intraosseous space that contains thousands of non-collapsible intertwined blood vessels that absorbs any fluids.…
Q: Do you have any tips on how to improve my IV insertion skills? A: This is one of the FAQ and often comes from new blog readers. I have blogged about this many times before but I thought I’d post it again. To some of my long time readers, this may not be new…
Q: What kind of IV solutions can be given through a PICC line? Is it safe to give Humolog insulin or should I start another IV line? A: PICC is short for peripherally inserted central catheter. It is a central vascular access device (CVAD) inserted into an extremity and advanced in the venous system until…
Q: I know I’m in the vein but get no blood return and when I flush with saline to check it blows. Can it be pt is dehydrated. A: The presence of a blood return during the insertion of a peripheral IV catheter is an indication that the tip of the catheter has entered the…
Q: Can you please let me know if a PICC line dressing can be a clean procedure or does it have to be sterile? A: First, I will direct you to your organization’s policy and procedure on central vascular access device (CVAD) dressing change procedure to determine the procedure to follow. If you can’t locate…
Q: How can I be IV certified? If I attend an IV program, will I be IV certified? A: If I get a dollar every time I get asked this question, I would be a very rich infusion nurse!! But seriously, the confusion about IV certification have been in existence for as long as I…
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