Development and Implementation of an Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Program for Emergency Nurses

Establishment of an effective didactic and hands-on training program resulted in emergency department nurses becoming competent in placement of ultrasound guided PIV catheters to provide optimal patient care.Contribution to Emergency Nursing Practice
- Increasing rates of success and decreasing time for placement of vascular access are critical for optimal patient management in the emergency department.
- When obtaining peripheral intravenous access in the traditional manner has failed, ultrasound guidance is an effective and safe alternative available to emergency nurses.
- Development of an educational program, including both didactic and hands-on training, can achieve successful competency for emergency nurses in establishing ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous access.