Art Sticks

[Shenandoah]

Hey ya'll,

I've been a NICU RN for a little over a year now. The one skill that I continue to have problems with is arterial sticks. I'm only running about 50/50 on those. Any advice for me out there?

Thanks!

[Gompers, BSN, RN]

I've also worked in a NICU where only the docs and RT's could do art sticks. The thing with RT's is that most of them learn it in school and do it in adults -they're the ones often responsible for obtaining arterial blood gasses. Sometimes this carries over into the NICU, other times it remains a nursing or doctor responsiblity.

[crissrn27, RN]

RN's aren't allowed to do them where I am either. RT's and lab do them. and I have never, not once, ever seen them actually get one........we end up with cbg's every time

[justjenny]

.... but the majority of our RNs can't.

Are we the only ones that can't do them??

We are not allowed to do them at our facility. Only the Neos or NNPs.

Jenny

[twinkletoes53]

At our hospital, RNs are limited to one stick only per person when attempting an arterial stick; three sticks per person for IVs, then you ask for help from another nurse; usually an experienced one. We notify the resident on call if we are unable to get the art. stick, and they will attempt it. Also, asking a RT for help is good, since they may have more experience in art. sticks. Do you use transilluminators in your unit to locate veins? You can also use them to pinpoint arteries, especially in larger babies. Remember to keep infant warm throughout procedure.

[Shenandoah]

Thanks again, everyone, for all of your input. Now I just need to find a willing patient to try your suggestions on! We don't do them too often in our facility, maybe one or two per month. All of our staff nurses do art sticks at our facility, and only those who have training place CVCs (although anyone can sign up for the training). Our NNPs and MDs do all of our umbilical lines & PALs.

Thanks again!

Shenandoah