We are in the process of trying to implement an early assessment program on admission for potential PICC candidates (versus waiting till their veins are all buggerd up!) We now have IT sending us a list daily of the new patient admits, along with their diagnosis, etc. We are attempting to be pro-active but don't want to appear like we are PICC chasing? Hope that makes since?? How are those of you out there that do early assessment handling this? Thanks in advance. Cindy Hunchusky, RN/Harris Methodist Hospital/Forth Worth, Texas/PICC TEAM
We get an admission list with diagnosis, age, etc. from IT and a list of persons started on targeted drugs from Pharmacy.
LM
My director and I were discussing this very thing yesterday! I've been given an order for a PICC on an infant who has been poked 50+ times too many times recently! I will be calling and getting a census printout and encouraging being PROactive instead of reactive!
I have tried to encourage PROactive PICC orders, by going and asking the Doctor teams if they will have any orders for me today, and ask about specific patients as well.
Mari Cordes, BS RNIII VA-BC
Vascular Access Department
University of Vermont Medical Center
Kristin Walker RN, BSN, OCN Maui Memorial Medical Center IV dept.
What kind of catheters do you use? Bard has great early assessment packages that have drug lists with them. You can give these to MDs, RNs, pharmacy...the list is not all inclusive, but it's a good start.
Mari Cordes, BS RN
Mari Cordes, BS RNIII VA-BC
Vascular Access Department
University of Vermont Medical Center
Here is the list Pharmacy alerts us about
Target Drug List for Central Line AccessMedications that are irritants, vesicants, have a pH of <5 or > 9 or and Osmolarity >500 mOm
Hi, I was just curious, where did you get your information for Penicillin G. The sources I'm reading do not tell me it's an irratant and states a lower ph?
Donna Lussier