One-on-one training was offered to staff nurses wanting to learn or improve their peripheral IV insertion skills. For four hours a staff nurse could work with an IV Team nurse. Prior to the hands-on training, the nurse was required to do some independent study. This letter welcomed the nurse to the program and described content and expectations.

1. Congratulations!
You have decided to enhance your professional nursing skills by learning to
start peripheral IVs. The Vascular Access Team (VAT) at Fairview Southdale
Hospital applauds you and we pledge to help you become proficient. Your
learning experience will consist of three parts – one is optional, but highly
recommended.
1. Self-directed learning facilitated by a Study Guide. You will read an
in-depth article about starting IVs and answer questions about the
content in the article. You will also be directed to do some hands-on
learning exercises. This activity will take a few hours to complete.
2. Specialized Hands-on-Training an expert VAT nurse. For four
hours will will start one IV after another.
3. The new intravenous therapy class that is given every other
Tuesday afternoon during new nurse orientation (optional). The
class covers assessment, monitoring, care, and troubleshooting for
peripheral IVs. This information should provide more insight into
best catheter and placement locations for your patients. Many
complications arise simply because all patient factors were not
considered when the IV was inserted.
Few institutions offer the in-depth and comprehensive program that we have
in store for you. Just remember, starting IVs is an acquired skill. Honing that
skill requires desire, patience, and practice – lot’s of it!
Self-Directed Learning
Why self-directed learning, you ask? Our rationale is simple; why waste
precious time on the basics with the VAT nurse, when you can learn them
ahead of time? The self-directed learning in this program is designed to arm
you with sufficient knowledge to enable you to take full advantage of every
minute that you spend with the VAT nurse. The Study Guide will facilitate
your independent learning experience.
Before you even meet with the VAT nurse, this is some of what you will learn
and practice*.
Names, locations, and most suitable catheters and therapies for
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major peripheral veins. Be ready to call the veins by name and
point them out when you meet with the VAT nurse.

2. Principles of infection control for venipuncture (At FSH, the
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preferred antimicrobial is Chloraprep®)
How to palpate a vein to see if it is suitable for venipuncture*
•
How to apply a tourniquet and stabilize a vein for venipuncture*
•
How to use the safety features and advance each of the two types of
•
peripheral IV catheters used at FSH*
Three ways to insert a peripheral IV catheter
•
Self-directed learning sounds boring. However, only you can learn the
material. Think about how the information will translate to actual practice.
Specialized Training
This is where your self-directed learning will pay off. You will spend one
morning starting IVs with a VAT nurse in the Care Suites. This area is loaded
with patients having coronary angiograms, pacemaker insertions,
interventional radiology procedures, CT-guided biopsies, and various
endoscopic procedures. They all need peripheral IVs for moderate sedation
and/or x-ray contrast administration. Many of the patients will be in good
general health and have good veins for venipuncture. Depending on how you
do, you may even want to try some of the more challenging insertions. For
four hours, while you start IVs, you will have your very own coach from the
Vascular Access Team!
Good Luck
Learn and Enjoy!