A second look at Midline catheters

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…

Today is….National Certified Nurses Day

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…

One of these things is not like the others…

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…

Celebrate I.V. Nurse Day…

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…

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…