Department forced to place picc lines

[Dani044]

I work in interventional radiology and the two hospital picc nurses quit and for some reason picc lines now got assigned to our department. Most of the nurses are against this but ou Cno is saying we have to learn it. Is it possible I can refuse picc line placement, I'm not interested and don't feel safe performing picc lines. I signed up for this job for interventional radiology, not picc lines.

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

Unless there is something in your employment contract that specifies that you don't have to perform PICC line placements, then I don't think you can refuse to do it. If the facility requires that you receive training and perform the procedure, you will have to do it or be subject to disciplinary action, such as termination, for refusing to perform duties within your job description. PICC lines are part of interventional radiology, so I'm sure they fall within your job description.

Is it possible that you're uncomfortable performing it because it's a new skill and you haven't learned it yet? I'd give yourself time to go through the training and become more familiar with the procedure. After you've done it a few times it might feel less daunting.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

I agree with Ashley.....unless there is something specific in a contract the can add/subtract from your job responsibilities. If they add responsibilities that are mandatory and you need training....the employer/hospital must pay for that training. PICC line certification is a very marketable skill......take this opportunity and run with it. While change can be frightening....... Embrace this new challenge and gain the knowledge. In knowledge there is power.

Good Luck!

[beckster_01, BSN, RN]

I agree with Ashley and Esme. We have sent many patients to IR to get their PICC's inserted for various reasons. Either the PICC team couldn't get it, or they have such severe PVD that the provider decided to send them to IR just to be safe.

[psu_213, BSN, RN]

In the ER, IV team will not come down to do PICCs for us, so we send the pt to IR to do this. Yes, the PICC nurses on the IV team do the majority of them for inpatients, but IR will do it if they cannot get one.

As mentioned before, I'm pretty sure you cannot just flat out refuse, but make sure you are trained in the procedure. When you started in IR, I'm guessing most of the procedures were new to you and you have since become more comfortable with those procedures.

[MomRN0913]

Most of the hospital i know in my area only perform perform PICC's in IR. However, if it was in your contract or specifically says your excluded than you can refuse. Otherwise it may become a new certification you need to have in your department for a department that does, in many hospitals regularly perform PICCs, or chose to leave the department if you don't want to.

[ckh23, BSN, RN]

Your job description is whatever your employer says it is unless you have it written out in a contract. I signed up for the STICU, but I can't refuse to be pulled to other floors.

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

I work in interventional radiology and the two hospital picc nurses quit and for some reason picc lines now got assigned to our department. Most of the nurses are against this but ou Cno is saying we have to learn it. Is it possible I can refuse picc line placement, I'm not interested and don't feel safe performing picc lines. I signed up for this job for interventional radiology, not picc lines.

You don't feel safe because you don't know how to do it. Once you are trained, you may become quite proficient. I cannot imagine refusing to learn something new, particularly something like picc line insertion which will, as someone said previously, make you quite marketable.

[OCNRN63, RN]

Funny how things work. I wanted to learn how to do PICCs, but my employer wouldn't pay for the course or give me the time off, unless I used vacation time.

[Perpetual Student]

I agree with the other posters who say go for it, as it will be great for your resume. You may find that you actually enjoy it. I've never done it, but talked to quite a few folks who do it and they love it. If you do refuse, don't be surprised if you get terminated.

[noyesno, MSN, APRN, NP]

I agree with Perpetual Student. It's a good skill to slap on the resume.

[MunoRN, RN]

I'm surprised your IR department has gone this long without having to do PICC's.