Q: Can medical assistants in office based infusion settings insert peripheral IVs and administer IV medications? A: This is a question I get weekly. I have posted a previous blog about this topic and replied privately to individuals asking the question. But I think it’s time to post my response again: Medical assistants (MAs)as defined…
The practice criteria in the INS standard 35 on vascular access site preparation and device placement states: “No more than 2 attempts at vascular access placement should be made by any 1 nurse, as multiple unsuccessful attempts limit future vascular access, and cause patients unnecessary pain. Patients with difficult vascular access require a careful assessment…
My sincerest thanks to everyone who took the survey on short peripheral IV posted on June 3, 2013. You were very gracious in responding and we sincerely appreciate your feedback. If you haven’t yet but would like to take the survey, there is still time. Click here to take the survey! Again, thank you so much!
If you are a registered nurse inserting short peripheral IVs , would you be interested in answering a short survey on peripheral IVs? The survey is open to registered nurses, whether you are part of an IVteam/PICC/Vascular access team or not, and actively inserting short peripheral IVs in all healthcare settings. The survey results will be integrated in…
I am always delighted to get IV questions from colleagues on social networks. Occasionally, I post them on this blog in the spirit of learning. Here’s one on IV needle insertion. Q: Tell me do you insert a needle up or down? A: I am assuming the question you are asking pertains to the bevel…
The goal when selecting the proper gauge of an peripheral IV catheter is to ensure that the best device meets the patient’s needs. This means taking into consideration many factors such as: Prescribed therapy/type of solution Duration of treatment Peripheral vein availability/vein integrity Diagnosis /Age Known complications of the device The Infusion Nurses Society standards of practice states…
I have now confirmed my blog readers are not only healthcare providers but are ‘actual’ patients. I get questions/emails/comments from them and they made it known to me that they are watching and noticing what we do to their venous access!! LOL.. So in the spirit of sharing and learning, without revealing anything about them,…
On a regular basis, I get questions from readers and from Twitter colleagues. Here are some of the Q’s and my A’s which I thought I’d blog about it in the spirit of sharing and learning. 1. Vancomycin Q: We give Vancomycin IV on a regular basis through an IV site in the arm at…
Peripheral IV (PIV) placement is one of the common IV procedures performed by nurses (and other healthcare practitioners) in hospitals and other healthcare settings, including long-term care, outpatient, and home care. Perhaps because of its simplicity, many nurses have underestimated the risks involved with PIV placement, care and maintenance. I often hear them say, “it’s just a…
December 25…a day to celebrate Christmas or that special holiday you celebrate! Many people are off from work taking time to celebrate with loved ones, friends, and family. Many are working to keep us safe or away at war striving to protect our country and to care for those who are ill. That includes nurses and…
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