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Can RNs pull Picc lines or is there a specific training outside of Nursing school that requires this
It depends on the facility, so be sure to check the policy and procedure. Where I work, we are not allowed to pull any central access line. Our NP's and docs do it.
*** This is interesting. I am a PICC nurse and judging from the number of med students and residents who ask to observe a PICC insertion I was under the impression the physicians received no training in PICC lines. If yours do it must be something they are taught in your facility. There isn't any reason to have an NP or physician pull the line. They wouldn't know any more about it than a regular RN and less than a PICC nurse.
i pulled PICCs when i was in nursing school. also pulled a couple of central lines, and some IJs. at our facilities we have "PICC nurses" who are RNs with special training to insert PICC lines. once the PICC is in, RNs change the caps, change the dressing, give meds thru it, draw labs, etc and then if it needs to be pulled before discharge then pull it. we pull sheaths, swans, art lines, all of that stuff on my unit.
I work for a large teaching facility and it is our hospitals policy that only fellows and NP's are to pull any central lines, including PICCs. All of our fellows are trained to insert PICC's and if they can't get one, then the kids go to IR for femoral placement.
Like I said, each faciltity is different and have different P/Ps regarding this. Best to always check than rely on an internet board to determine if it is ok to pull it on your own.
Chan285
2 Posts
Thanks to everyone who responded to me, I really appreciate it!!:)