NEW Infusion team nurse

Specialties Infusion

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Specializes in med/surg, ortho/neuro, ambulatory surg.

I just accepted a position today at my hospital as an Infusion Team Nurse. I will be trained in PICC insertion and Chemo Therapy. We do all the in house PICC's, Chemo and have outpatient IV antibiotics, Rhemicade, ect infusions. I am excited and nervous about this position and was wondering if anyone had any pointers, words of encouragement, ect. I have been an RN for 2 years now (1year bedside nursing and 1 year outpatient surgery as a circulator and preop nurse.)

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Specializes in Infusion Nursing, Home Health Infusion.

You must know the current standard of care for all that you will be doing. First buy yourself Plumbers principles and practices of IV therapy...get the 8th edition...I do not think there is a 9th. You will need a good overall IV reference.Once you dive into then I can direct you to the other things you can do to advance your knowledge. Also review all of the policies and procedures pertaining to PICC insertion care and maintenance. Please tell me you place PICCs in the distal SVC (finnd out). If you use midlines you must know the restrictions that apply...they are very restrictive...find out if they are used at your facility. Concentrate on learning the technical aspects of insertion and be patient with yourslef especailly if you are using US...it often takes at least 20-50 insertions with the US to feel somewaht comfortable. you will have fun...I still am..... You can always come here for help as well. i can write so much more...but getting a bit tired...but I always have suggestions for learning and can help

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Specializes in med/surg, ortho/neuro, ambulatory surg.

Thanks so much I will make sure to find out about our PICC placements. I will also look for the book you mentioned. I hope this is a good fit for me, I have always been very interested in Infusion therapy and quite honestly was shocked I got the job. I am sure I will be coming here more often as I have questions. I am a BIG researcher and must know the ins and outs and whys of things.

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Specializes in Infusion Nursing, Home Health Infusion.

you should do really well then...just hang in there b/c US PICC insertion can be difficult to learn and then all of a sudden it comes together for you. if you do not know something...YES get the answer...go for it..you can do it especially when you have passion for the subject. You can always ask me anything here...i had to find all these things on my own b/c I too had to know everything.

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