PICC Line in school

Specialties School

Published

Hi everyone, I am a school nurse at an elementary school - I was just informed by my supervisor that a student will be at school on Mon with a Picc and antibiotics are to be given during school hours. I have not had to work with a PICC in a few years, but, I looked at a couple of reference books and my mind has been refreshed. But, I am having a hard time finding any info on activities this student should refrain from (ex. PE?) Also, my office is also used for storage, so, I am worried about contamination. Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks!

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Specializes in Cath Lab, OR, CPHN/SN, ER.

I'm not real sure! Do you have any state nurse consultants you can contact?

I would be worried about contamination as well.

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

Who provides this child's home/office care? They should be able to give you a policy/procedure to follow for infusion in school, infection control and guidance on school activities.

Sounds like this may be your opportunity to insist on a space dedicated to nursing in your school.

Thank you for helping this child!

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Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

The student should come with some sort of antibiotic protocol and specific instructions from the doc. Often times, it is hooked to a small portable pump, and infused over a span of time then disconnected. You just have to remember the SASH protocol (Saline, abx, saline, heparin) when infusing.

As far as activities - PE should probably be avoided. Way too easy for someone else to grab hold of it and give it a yank. It may be beneficial, depending on the age of the student to secure it a bit tighter to the arm with a little stockinette or surgilast.

I agree with Jolie - this is a good time to really drive home the importance of having unnecessary stuff stored in your office. Your office should be as clean and clutter free as possible.

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There is a standard protocol for picc lines in Hootman, J. Quality nursing interventions in the school setting: Procedures, models, and guidelines http://www.nasn.org

There is also care plan info for central lines in In Individualized healthcare plans for the school nurse. C. Silkworth, M. Arnold, J. Harrigan, & D. Zaiger (Eds). North Branch, MN: Sunrise River Press. http://www.schoolnursebooks.com

Neither list activities the child cannot participate in. Check with the provider who writes the orders.

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