Blog Archives

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Best Practice for reducing pain with placing the PIV

Posted on by Mary Smith

I had an opportunity to review some of our patient satisfaction surveys.  It wasn’t surprising to me that many concerns were about the peripheral IV insert.   One patient even stated “It was the most painful thing I ever had

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Leading the team

Posted on by Mary Smith

When we look at best practice, improving patient outcomes, implementing evidenced based protocols in the insertion,  care and maintenance of vascular access devices, we have to look at nurses to be the leaders.  Nurses are becoming the coordinators, leaders, teachers,

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Add on devices, are you using them?

Posted on by Mary Smith

Connectors and Caps can play a key role in preventing complications with our vascular access devices.   Caps can eliminate the compliance issue with scrubbing.  Data states to “scrub” for 15 seconds before attaching your syringe.  When you count this

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Vascular Access Device Bundles

Posted on by Mary Smith

Using a “bundle” to decrease infection rates with CVC’s (Central Venous Catheters) has decreased infection rates nationally.  Many facilities have implemented best practices along with check lists and kits called bundles to achieve these rates.  We have focused on central lines,

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Sorbaview Shield Dressing

Posted on by Mary Smith

AVA Journal article published in 2011 discusses the importance of the securement device for the most common acute invasive procedure, the PIV.  With all the PICC’s, Port’s and Central Catheters getting all the attention these days,  we must nor forget

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WISVAN

Posted on by Mary Smith

Attended the WISVAN (Wisconsin Vascular Access Network) meeting last night at Fleming’s Steak House in Madison.  The Dinner was sponsored by Jenna Mathison at BARD Access System.  Thank you Jenna for a great dinner and presentation on your new Midline.

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VAD Complications

Posted on by Mary Smith

Spent 24 hours over the past two weeks working with nurses on how to prevent complications from Vascular Access Devices at our annual skills fair.  The most important thing to do with every patient no matter what device you are

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AVA Nashville 2013

Posted on by Mary Smith

Attended the AVA Conference for my first time.  What a great event.  So many nurses, vendors and speakers that all have an interest in improving patient care. Networking was the best part for me.  I was very interested in the

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VAD class at Blackhawk Technical College

Posted on by Mary Smith

A big thank you to the nursing students at Blackhawk Technical College.   Today we discussed many topics related to Vascular Access Devices.  With all the different types of catheters, connectors and caps in our facilities, it is very difficult

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China, After the line is placed

Posted on by Mary Smith

During my visit to China I learned that the Nurses are skilled in PICC line insertion.  Some nurses place over 500 PICC lines a year.  This is amazing!  I have been placing PICC lines for 18 years and I can’t