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jibles23
If situation allows, what is stopping a PICC line nurse to do an IJ insertion?

I am really curious if any of you or your facility have tried using a PICC catheter inserted through IJ route if situation allows like for example, when theres no other clinician available to insert a traditional acute CVC, or no good peripheral veins to use for either PIV or PICC(arm swollen, bilateral fistulas, etc) but the pt really needs multiple lumen access due to their illness.

https://www.chop.edu/treatments/peripherally-inserted-central-catheter-p...

states that A PICC line is a thin, soft, long catheter (tube) that is inserted into a vein in your child's arm, leg or neck.

I am geniunly curious and would love some information about this. Thank you

lynncrni
IJ insertion of any CVAD is a

IJ insertion of any CVAD is a procedure being done by many infusion/VA specialists. BUT just because you are now inserting PICCs does not mean you can jump to the IJ site. First you need to check with your state board of nursing for their statements, if any, about this. Most state boards using a scope of practice decision tree. Find that for your state and work through it. Then you must have hospital policies and procedures about this. Then you must have documented competency with the procedure. IJ has different risk factors than the veins of the arm; different indications and contraindications; choice of high, medium or low sites on the IJ, challenges with securement and dressing integrity and more. 

PS - change the title of your job. "PICC line nurse" is a limiting term. YOu should be a vascular access nurse so that your scope of practice can be as broad as possible. 

Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI

Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.

PO Box 10

Milner, GA 30257

Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com

Office Phone 770-358-7861

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