Peripheral Intravenous Education in North American Nursing Schools: A Call to Action

Abstract

Background: Peripheral intravenous (PIV) management requires knowledge, skill, and clinical judgment to ensure positive patient outcomes; yet, many nurses lack confidence in their PIV knowledge and skills. It is important that graduate nurses acquire PIV knowledge and skills in nursing school. This study aimed to explore PIV content coverage and clinical opportunities provided in U.S. and Canadian nursing curricula. Method: Using a descriptive, exploratory design, representatives of nursing schools completed a 12-item, web-based PIV curriculum survey. Results: Most schools covered PIV content in classroom, laboratory, and clinical settings; however, some indicated students were not allowed to initiate PIVs in clinical settings. Participants noted that PIV education was a shared responsibility with health systems. Conclusion: It is important that nursing students develop PIV competence; however, competing pressures for time in nursing curricula may limit PIV coverage. Nurse educators can benefit from PIV and infusion therapy specialty organization resources. [ J Nurs Educ . 2020;59(9):493–500.]

Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Insertion Competence and Confidence in Medical/Surgical Nurses

“…Newer nurses often lack confidence in IV therapy initiation due to a lack of experience or exposure to opportunities. 7,8 The focus on critical thinking, time management, and prioritization are often overwhelming, and PIVC initiation is only one small piece of adapting to a new professional culture. In addition, no increased cost is associated with multiple PIVC insertion attempts that could further support the interventions for improving PIVC insertion competence and confidence.…”

“…Opportunity exists to improve the confidence, competence, and first-attempt success rate for PIVC insertion. Based on the synthesis of the literature, a combination of computer-based learning and PIVC insertion simulation can improve PIVC insertion confidence and competence 1–8,10–18…”

“…The initial portion of the intervention included three 20-minute online educational modules on PIVC site selection, insertion, maintenance, and standards of care. All 3 online modules were developed encompassing the Standards 3 and evidence reviewed in improving first-attempt PIVC insertion success 1,2,4–8,10–21. The modules were loaded into the current online learning system.…”

“…Newer nurses often lack confidence in IV therapy initiation due to a lack of experience or exposure to opportunities 7,8. The focus on critical thinking, time management, and prioritization are often overwhelming, and PIVC initiation is only one small piece of adapting to a new professional culture.…”

I-DECIDED® – A decision tool for assessment and management of invasive devices in the hospital setting

“…As nurses provide the bulk of device assessment and care, they are expected to identify when complications arise, take appropriate action, and notify medical staff accordingly. However, many nurses receive little training in device assessment other than in the undergraduate nursing curriculum, and knowledge and skills can vary among clinicians (Massey et al, 2020;Vandenhouten et al, 2020). A recent scoping review noted significant gaps in nurses' knowledge on the care and maintenance of vascular access devices and recommended improved educational preparation and workplace training (Raynak et al, 2020).…”