AWellborn

I am in the same position. While we do a complete assessment of patient and needs, we are discouraged from thinking any further than the PICC placement process. After reviewing the CRNI exam outline, much of the content is beyond what we currently do. However, I am hoping we can change the way our administrators think and grow our program into a true vascular access team - not just the cath lab nurses who are bailing out the staff nurse who can't start an IV. While I am going to start with AVA certification (only because I've already started with their study guide) I think it is worth going on to CRNI for rounding out my knowledge.

Please share what type of needleless connectors your facilities are using on PICCS. I am studying for Vascular Access Certification and the study guide covers Negative/Positive/Neutral Displacement valves. My question is regarding Bard's PowerPicc with valves in hubs and no clamps. Do these concepts apply if the catheter already has a valve? My facility is currently using a positive displacement valve with this product however we have no way to clamp the catheter to follow the suggested sequence of flushing. I have read about neutral and zero displacement products but they have mixed reviews. Also, concerned about infection control and are antimicrobial/silver coated connectors better? Thank you so much...my facility has done PICC lines for years, but there is great room to grow and improve!!!!

I have been an interventional radiology nurse for years and have assisted with many difficult PICCs that were referred to us to be done by radiologists under flouroscopy. Recently, I was given the opportunity to join the PICC team and practice independently. Unfortunately, my Bard educator's first words were "nurses over 50 just aren't successful at placing PICCS". Guess where I am in life! I've been fairly successful and my hospital preceptor has signed me off to work independently (I have only had to be bailed out 3 times out of my first 50). However, her words have stuck with me and I am still feeling insecure. Our hospital's policies & procedures for PICCs are not current or very complete. In addition, none of the members of the PICC line team have outside experience or certification. My questions are: What is the best organization to join-AVA or INS? Who certifies PICC nurses and what is the best way to study to be certified? Are there sources (EBP) that will help me develop my practice and get over my insecurity? Thanks for any help!!!