Taking the Leap From PICC Placement to Tip Placement

Nurses who place peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) obtain x-rays after placement to determine tip placement. Radiologists read and interpret the x-ray to verify tip placement. It is then the primary physician or the radiologist who releases the PICC line for use. Until 2002, there were few institutions across the United States that empowered the vascular access nurse to take on this responsibility. This article discusses how to advance practice at the state-board-of-nursing level and discusses strategies to implement the change in scope of practice.