Do RN's insert EJ's at your hospital

Biffbradford · Mar 8, 2012

Just to be clear (since so many different abbreviations are tossed about on these pages) ... EJ = External Jugular?

In 15 years, I've never seen an RN put in a central line.

meandragonbrett · Mar 8, 2012

Yes, we place EJ with regular IV catheters.

sapphire18 · Mar 8, 2012

Just to be clear (since so many different abbreviations are tossed about on these pages) ... EJ = External Jugular?In 15 years, I've never seen an RN put in a central line.

I've never heard of an EJ central line- only I(nternal)J central lines. We only do peripherals in the EJ, and only the MD (or EMS) can place those. Wish we could though.

Five&Two Will Do · Mar 8, 2012

I am not talking about central lines. We just need a better alternative for patients that are difficult to maintain access on. A short term bridge until central line placement can be acheived. This hospital is small and the PICC nurses do not take call or work on the weekend.

turnforthenurse, MSN, NP · Mar 8, 2012

I have seen nurses put peripheral IV's in the EJ as a last resort if peripheral access cannot be established elsewhere.

Advanced practice nurses are the ones who put in our central lines for us.

BelgianRN · Mar 8, 2012

An EJ is considered a peripheral site in Belgian law and as such we can place those as RN's without an MD order even if we feel the situation requires it.

In my institution it isn't routine to place EJ's. I'm one of the few RN's that will place them during emergencies if I feel we need something closer/easier. Generally I'll try to get a 12G - 16G in if possible. No guideline or official policy is in use regarding the placement of EJ's.

sapphire18 · Mar 8, 2012

A 12-gauge?! Ouch! We use 18s!

One1, BSN, RN · Mar 9, 2012

Yes, some of our nurses put EJ peripheral IVs in if we cannot get other access. We use 18g for EJs.

BelgianRN · Mar 9, 2012

A 12-gauge?! Ouch! We use 18s!

That's no fun But I have to admit I'm a bit of an oddball I'll rarely stick with anything higher than 18 G except on children of course.

Good Morning, Gil · Mar 9, 2012

Nope, we can only put in IV's peripherally, as in the arms only lol. Docs have to put in an EJ or IJ IV. Nurses place PICCs at out hospital, but I've only ever seen nurses put PICCs in, so that's nothing new.

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Mar 9, 2012

When I worked in the ED as a staff RN, we were placing EJ's using a G18 Angiocath on patients with difficult arm venous access. These are considered PIV's and are subject to the 3-day limit of use. I've worked in ICU now as an ACNP and I've never seen a staff RN place an EJ. They typically ask us NP's or residents to place them. I personally prefer placing a PICC or an IJ CVC myself which we routinely do as NP's.