PICC nurses in the workplace

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Does your facility utilize a PICC team? Do you find them helpful for your access needs? Are you able to utilize their resources/knowledge for any questions you or your patient may have?

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Yes, my facility has a PICC team. No, they are of no use to me because they work M-F, 8a-5p. Like ALL the clinical resources (CNS/ Lactation / Diabetes Ed. /Wound-Ostomy / Unit Educators)- they are only resources to the day shift.

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You aren't able to put a request or question for them, even though they are stashing?

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.

We have PICC nurses on 24/7 and yes they are a great resourse for the medical residents and staff RNs for a huge variety of issues. All of our PICC nurses are experienced ICU nurses and vascular access experts.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.
You aren't able to put a request or question for them, even though they are stashing?

Not sure what 'stashing' means- but what good is it if I cannot get the assist I need in real time? A PICC nurse (or any other clinical resource) is less than useful if I have to wait until they are at work again (because, by that time, I'm home in bed).

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Sorry auto correct put in stashing, instead of dayshift. You don't have anyone on call? In order to overcome adversaries, the problem has to be known. I do appreciate the feedback, it will help us to better serve you. Thank you.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Nope- PICC works their set shift. If I needed help at 0200- it simply isn't there. It's not that they are unaware of the problem.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Going to move this to infusion nursing as not CNS related.

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24hr Vascular Access Nurse teams are rare. Vascular Access teams generally do not generate revenue for the hospital so it tends to be a hard sell to provide 24hr onsite teams. My hospitals provides "on-call" staffing but it is not common.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

In facilities where PICC nurses are willing to cross-train, 24 hour availability isn't that unusual.

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