Vascular Access RNs

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Specializes in Emergency.

Hi, I recently transferred to a vascular access team and was wondering what other hospitals’ policies are regarding when to start PICC training. My current hospital requires a minimum of 2 years in VAT regardless of previous experience and only day shifters get trained. I’m curious to know if it’s the same in other hospitals. Thank you!

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Specializes in Cardiac step-down, PICC/Midline insertion.

At my hospital we learn to place USG PIV’s first, then start placing midlines. After so many successful PIV’s and midline placements, you start on PICCs. It’s definitely easier to learn PICCs if you already know how to set up sterile field and access veins with US.

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Specializes in Emergency.

Are you required to have been in the department x amount of years even after you’ve completed the minimum number of successful ultrasound sticks before you start PICC training?

I guess what I’m asking is how does it get decided when one starts training, by seniority or skill level?

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Specializes in Cardiac step-down, PICC/Midline insertion.

I think it just depends on the needs of your particular facility ?‍♀️. Most ads I see for PICC nurses require experience. It’s a highly specialized skill. I didn’t have to be on the team x number of years to get trained, just demonstrated interest and capability with the site rite. We place lines 24/7, but only 2 night nurses are picc certified. I guess what I’m wondering is why you got a position on a vascular access team and they aren’t automatically training you for PICCs? That’s the whole point of having a team. But every hospital is different on how they approach this. I’d just talk to my direct supervisor about it.

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I’m as baffled as you are and what you said is exactly what I’m thinking. I expressed interest from the get go and worked to complete all the skills required ahead of time. I spoke to my supervisor and was told to complete the 2 year minimum still...which seems quite a bit given I already have 150+ successful ultrasound sticks on the first attempt and I’m only 7 months in (I keep track, that’s how invested I am in this lol). Even with traditional IVs, I rarely have to stick someone twice.

There is no written policy about it. Current picc nurses said they only had to complete 50 ultrasound guided insertions, but they did it over the course of 18-24 months. Not everyone who gets accepted has previous IV experience (I do having worked in the ER & ICU). This is my first VAT rodeo so I’m trying to find out if the 2 years is a specialty standard and I’m just too driven or if I’m being held back for some reason which I have to explore.

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Specializes in Cardiac step-down, PICC/Midline insertion.

I would say you’re more than qualified. Unless they want the 2 year minimum to ensure you’re dedicated? I would look for something else honestly. lol. I don’t think I’d stick around for 2 years waiting to train. You have clearly mastered the US already, not letting you progress with training at this point seems silly. Not to mention the technique for accessing for PICCs is a different needle and a steeper angle, so there’s really nothing else you can learn just by placing more US PIV’s

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Thank you for your sharing your thoughts. I highly appreciate it!

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