Central line

[dcwang]

Are nurses in CA allowed to insert central lines? At my facility, I see that the MDs do it, but I've never seen nurses do it.

[mercurysmom]

A PICC line is NOT a central line.

Um...really? A PICC line is a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter. You might want to check your facts.

Lippincott NursingCenter

[sapphire18]

A PICC line is NOT a central line.

PICC = peripherally inserted central catheter. Yes it is a central line.

[Wuzzie]

A PICC line is NOT a central line.

Really? Why don't you tell us what it is then?

[AliNajaCat]

A PICC line is NOT a central line.

Um, yes, it is. The definition if a central line depends not where it's inserted in (e.g., subclavian or IJ or even EJ) but where it goes. PICC = Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter.

There is no current certification for this (look up the difference between certification and certificate if you don't believe me) but there are many, many settings from acute care to home care where RNs place PICC lines as regulated by employers who provide in-house training or who accept an outside training course with practicum, and their ability to do this is recognized by many Boards of Nursing.