Differences in IV (teams) across floors/hospitals/regions

[Mel1234]

I am curious about the presence of IV teams. It seems that there are many variations on who administers IVs based on department, hospital, and region. For example, I have heard that L&D, Surg, and ER nurses tend to put in their own IVs because of time constraints (ER), or ease (L&D). I have also heard that ICU tends to have IV teams/CRNIs because the IVs tend to be difficult. I am interested in differences such as team presence, team composition, and team responsibilities. Any comments?

In summary:

1. What are differences by department? by hospital?

2. Are there variations by geographical region?

3. Is there a trend toward creating more IV teams or getting rid of IV teams?

Thanks!

[oMerMero]

My hospital does not have an IV team. It is the responsibility of the RN to start an IV, or ask a co-worker to start one if you are unable. It is becoming more common for the med-surg floors to call us in the ICU to start IVs for there patients. I don't mind helping out, but I think there should be at least 2 attempts made to start an IV before calling another unit. Without an IV team, it is expected that all RNs can start IVs.

[Lorie P.]

we have an iv therapy team but their job is to put in picc lines only. usually on the med/surg floor where i work. i start my own iv's and if after 2 attempts with no luck, i get the rn to start them, she just happens to be on the iv therapy team on her off week. so usually we have no problems with iv starts.

also each department starts their oown iv's, ed, icu, l&d etc.

[neneRN, BSN, RN]

All floors start their own IVs where I'm at; we do have an IV team, but they are called when US guided peripheral or PICC line is needed for the impossible sticks. And in the ER, our docs will generally just put in an EJ or central line rather than wait an hour or two for the IV team to get there.

[Mel1234]

So it seems that IV teams, when present, are generally only used for difficult sticks?

Is there anyone out there whose hospital always uses an IV team rather than having floor nurses do the IVs? Maybe like a Children's hospital?

[vamedic4, EMT-P]

So it seems that IV teams, when present, are generally only used for difficult sticks?

Is there anyone out there whose hospital always uses an IV team rather than having floor nurses do the IVs? Maybe like a Children's hospital?

Yes, in general here they call the IV Team because floor nurses have little or no experience starting IVs on the little one's. And every pediatric specialty has it's share of kids who are difficult for different reasons.

[limcclea]

I recently joined a iv team at our local hospital. The team is required to preform all starts except in the er (but we get calls from all over). The hospital's nursing program does not include a iv class. Piccs are growing in leaps and bounds. We are required to do three day changes on all patients. The team is also responsible for all epidurals, high dose pca's, tubing changes and picc dressings. We are never short of things to do, and I enjoy my job:typing

[SWHEATS]

Could You Send Me Any Info On Your Iv Team--the Hospital I Am At Is Considering Starting A Team By Private Message?