Is it withing the scope of practice for an RN to pull a temporary dialysis CVC with proper training and documentation? We have had trained VAT RNs do this but there has been a need that has come up recently, what if the VAT is not available? We have patients or donors post stem cell collection in which the temporary dialysis CVC will be pulled once enough cells are collected. Typically the APNs have done this but sometimes the patients have to stay late in the infusion center as the collection is not complete. Thinking of training our apheresis RNs to remove the catheter as well.
Scope of practice is a legal term defined by your state board of nursing and each state can be different. So check that first. However it is generally recognized that a percutaneous CVAD of all kinds can be removed by an RN with documented competency. This includes a CVAD with a subq tunneled but without a cuff. See INS Standard 44. Any CVAD with a cuff may require minor surgical dissectio of that cuff and is done by an LIP. Lynn
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