Picc line nursing

Trauma Columnist · Feb 11, 2016

Moved to Infusion Nursing.

IVRUS, BSN, RN · Feb 12, 2016

I was wondering does anyone know how I can become a picc line nurse. I have been trying to obtain some information on how or where to go to get trained and certified. I have looked online and the only thing it shows is certification through CEU's. If anyone has anything to add I would greatly appreciate it.

I don't know anyone who is just a "PICC line nurse". Vascular Access is a specialty which encompasses much more than just PICC's. Now, can you be trained to place PICC catheters? Yes, but that training usually has prerequisites. Infusion Nurses Society (INS) through INCC, regulates the CRNI which is a certification for RN's wanting to become vascular access specialists. INS recommends that every participant have 1600 hours of IV therapy activities in the previous two years and a proficiency with CVC management and care, before you sit for such an exam. It is a grueling exam, and one where you must be quite knowledgeable of many subjects:

1. Fluid and Electrolytes including all manifestations of s/s of deficiencies or s/s of too much of that element in the body. Such as: What happens when a patient is copper toxic? Yes, copper is a trace element, but one must know all of the concerns with all elements including trace elements.

2. Chemotherapy

3. Pediatric IV therapy

4. TPN

5. Geriatric IV therapy

6. Blood/blood products

Just to name a few... so, Being a PICC line nurse, is a understatement for who a Vascular ACCESS nurse actually is.

Radnurse2011 · Sep 11, 2016

Yes, you can be "just a PICC nurse" despite the other comments. I did PICC's for 4 years without any certification behind me. I have since taken and passed the Appropriate National certification for Vascular Access, VA-BC offered through Association of Vascular Access, ava.org. You can't just take a class one day and be a PICC nurse the next day. There is a whole lot more too it than that. You need to be in a position that is willing to train you and then you need to stay there for at least a year before you can conosider yourself comfortable at doing them.

Another source is PICC Excellence. They DO offer classes on PICC insertions, but your not sticking a patient, thats a whole different thing. They are also a bit pricey.

MikeyT-c-IV · Sep 12, 2016

I have read many posts by IVRUS and have not found fault with any opinion. I think we come from the same source of thought. Anyway. I applaud any RN who is an expert in placing PICC's. I, am, however not just a PICC nurse. I am a vascular access specialist. This means not only can I place PICC's but I can assess a patient to determine which type of vascular access this patient requires but I can also assess this patient to determine where this IV access should be obtained. I have been ostracized in the past for questioning orders and refusing to place a PICC in a patient that does not require central access. There are situations in which ultrasound visualization of peripheral veins and subsequent access is simply "good enough" to deliver the required therapy. Please do not take offense (as I say to my colleagues) but because YOU can't obtain peripheral access doesn't mean I CAN'T with ultrasound. Gone are the days of placing PICC's (or any other form of central access) because traditional bedside palpation is not successful.

This is a specialty. I LOVE IT! And I'm fortunate that I am able to assess and given the freedom to apply my knowledge and skill to provide the best possible outcome.

Radnurse2011 · Sep 12, 2016

I'm right there with ya...I love inserting PICC's and the autonomy that it allows me. I enjoy the ability to have a unique skill that I am able to perform, educate and instruct others about. I Did Not just take a certification exam, I as well, became an expert in my field and feel that one of the main duties of my position is to educate others about Vascular Access....

D Josefy, RN, VA-BC