Page 1 of 25 DESCRIPTION/OVERVIEW The purpose of this ...

decision are the patient, the patient's family, the physician, and the nurse
assigned to the Vascular Access Resource Team (VART). Appropriateness of
the candidate, the prescribed therapy, expected outcomes, as well as the
potential benefits and risks will be determined.
1.6. The PICC team member evaluates the patient for the placement of the PICC at
the bedside.
1.7. If the PICC team member determines that a PICC cannot be placed at the
bedside, a physician’s order is required for placement of the PICC in
Interventional Radiology.
1.8. A request is sent to Interventional Radiation (IR) for placement of the PICC.
Scheduling proceeds from the IR.
2. Qualifications for selection of a VART candidate:
2.1. Selection Criteria:
2.1.1. Registered nurse with current New Mexico licensure
2.1.2. IV module completed.
2.1.3. Recommended by Unit Director.
2.1.4. Successful completion of Long Arm Catheter (LAC) training process
as verified by the University Hospital Education Department
2.1.4.1. Completion of competency checklist and receipt of form by
the Education Department. A certificate of completion is
awarded to the individual.
2.1.4.2. Successful placement of five long arm catheters in the
presence of a preceptor during training.
2.2. Maintaining Qualification:
2.2.1. Successful placement of 10 LAC per year.
2.2.2. Participate in annual VART update
2.2.3. Development of unit in-services and updates.
2.2.4. Participation in the Performance Improvement Patient Safety
Committee
3. Long Arm Catheter Insertion Procedure- Attachment A
4. Long Arm Catheter Removal Procedure- Attachment B
5. Long Arm Catheter Length Selection Guidelines- Attachment C
6. Care Of Pediatric Central Catheters- Attachment D
7. Venous Access Port Addendum- Attachment E
8. Care Of Adult Central Catheters- Attachment F
9. Quick Reference Guide For Venous Access Devices- Attachment G
10. Care of the VAD in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit- Attachment H
11. Evaluation
11.1. After VAD inserted, chest xray required for line placement. This is to be done
wherever the patient had the catheter inserted. Adult midline PICCs do not require an
xray prior to use. If PICC inserted in the IR, it is in the correct position and is okay to
use, no xray is required. A physician’s written order is required for permission to
infuse fluids.
11.2. After xray evaluated by physician or radiologist, a written order is required for
administration of fluids into this line.
11.3. Ensure the dressing over the catheter is secure.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Title: Venous Access Device
Owner: Clinical Education Department
Effective Date: 07/27/05
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