need help...starting an iv/picc team

nrsang97, BSN, RN · Jun 10, 2013

We don't have an IV team. We have a rapid response team and PICC team. Our Rapid response team starts hard to start IVs and if we can't then PICC team tries. It would be nice to have a dedicated IV team, however, I find that when there is a dedicated IV team the floor staff tends to not even attempt an IV at all. (Of course that is just my observation)

I had to orient a rapid response nurse and she wouldn't really attempt an IV at all because where she had worked had an IV team.

I think the idea is great if they can do IVs and PICC placements.

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Jun 10, 2013

Have you contacted the Infusion Nurses Society? They have all the standards and other documentation and ideas to get you started.

Home - Infusion Nurses Society

12jeannemb · Oct 8, 2013

Alex,

Please let me know what you find out. my hospital is about the size of your facility. We have PICC team members that all have other roles. Researching cost and productivity of IV team. trying to gather data from different hospitals that have teams.

any input would help.

Thanks

krisiepoo · Oct 8, 2013

not a nurse (yet) but all the hosptials I've had clinicals in all had IV teams... nrsang97 said that the floor nurses don't even try to start IVs and the hospitals I've been in don't even have IV starting supplies on hand

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Oct 8, 2013

I also recommend the Infusion Nurses Society. We started ours by getting their standards and reviewing what the BON says. Then we contacted the rep for the PICC kits. He had loads of info. We created a policy based on all this evidence, then the rep arranged for a trainer to come train several people. The rep also had competencies and other data for us. All our nurses are expected to start IV's, and PICC's are never an emergency. If an emergency exits then the MD has to do osteo or another central line. We purchased equipment to do guided ultrasound. So far our plan is working (6-8 years)

Asystole RN · Oct 9, 2013

Bard Access or Teleflex will help you setting up both PICC teams AND IV teams. The Infusion Nurses Society and the Association for Vascular Access are also great resources. INS sells kits to help you start IV team programs.

If you are attempting to assemble the rationale keep in mind that the CDC has some strong suggestions regarding vascular access teams.

CaitlynRNBSN · Oct 9, 2013

We have an IV team. it is wonderful!! They get alerts if a patient's IV is needing to be changed. We page them when we need them. They are available 24/7. They start the IV, they can do PICC insertion as well (if able). They do the dressing changes for central lines. Our IV team also does lab draws for those with central lines. If for some reason they cant, the bedside nurse can do it. they just need to let us know. I've only been asked like once to do it, so its rare they ask you. They are experts at starting them and can find a vein in just about anyone.

down side?? I feel like our IV team forgets they are nurses. so I will get called in to shut off some saline, when they have an access code to do it. "I just wasn't sure if he can be off fluids for 5 minutes." I could see if it was diltiazem or something, but saline running at 75/hour? of course you can just it off. So I feel like their critical thinking, just doesn't exist. They come to us for EVERYTHING. "Can you call and get an order for TPA? his PICC won't flush." Well, you are a nurse you are able to take verbal orders. That's usually what I tell them. It IS in their scope of practice to take verbal orders because they are REGISTERED nurses on IV team. However; they are wonderful to have around. :)

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Oct 10, 2013

Agree with 12jeannemb.

First step should be a feasibility study. You'll need to access historical data to determine the potential volumes & a finance/reimbursement consult to do the financial analysis. Be sure to factor in patient satisfaction & infection control as well. In most hospitals, IV sticks are a major issue with HCAHPS scores so this should work in your favor.

Good luck!