My IV infiltrated….

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…

FYI….Free!

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…

Welcome 2012…

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…

Oh yes…it’s that time of the year…again!

Chestnuts roasting on the open fire….Jack Frost nipping on your nose….crowded malls with last minute shoppers…and holiday treats that are sooo good, you know it can’t be good for your health. Oh, let’s not forget that big jolly fellow in the red suit…. A year ago, I posted a blog wondering what it would be…

IV medication errors…

A twitter nurse colleague (@chemosabe) shared an interesting article recently: Errors in the administration of intravenous medications in hospital and the role of correct procedures and nurse experience     Johanna I Westbrook, Marilyn I Rob, Amanda Woods, Dave Parry BMJ Qual Saf 2011;20:1027-1034 Published Online First: 20 June 2011 The objective of the study was to…

There’s so much to be thankful for….

Thanksgiving Day… a day filled with turkey/stuffing, pumpkin pie, an abundance of coma inducing foods, watching the “Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade” on TV,  football,  and annoying jokes from the in-laws!! Yes, those are the extras…..for this day is truly for being grateful and humble for what we have. Sometimes many of us forget to give thanks…

Just something to think about…

This maybe old news to some…but others may have missed it… Infiltration: Checking for blood return or back flow of blood is good for patency but not a reliable method for assessing infiltration at IV site. If infusion continues to run when you apply digital pressure 3 inches above peripheral IV site in front of…

In case you missed it….

…some latest news and initiatives on infection prevention and safety….. “Preventing Infections in Cancer Patients” – CDC is launching a new program called Preventing Infections in Cancer Patients, featuring tools to help both clinicians and patients prevent infections. CDC worked with partners to develop a Basic Infection Control and Prevention Plan for Outpatient Oncology Settings, which…

I see blood….

… as in blood return… which, to an infusion nurse is truly exhilarating! When I am challenged to insert a 24g peripheral IV catheter in a tiny, invisible vein of a dehydrated infant, I jump for joy as I watch anxiously for the blood return and pray that blood continues to backflow as I advance…