Improving Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Insertion Competency of Home Health Nurses

Purpose/Objectives: To develop, implement, and evaluate a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) competency training program for home health infusion registered nurses (RNs). Background: As PIVC insertion knowledge and skill remains fundamental for RNs, home health nurses are frequently required to establish intravenous access. According to the 2013 Infusion Nurses Society, up to 57% of nursing students receive PIVC training, while many current staff RNs report a lack of PIVC education during their clinical setting orientation (Glover et al., 2017), therefore leading to lower levels of PIVC competence. Methodology: Establishing a policy requiring all RNs entering the home health organization to undergo a PIVC training program, and their PIVC knowledge and skills competence evaluated. The evidence-based practice (EBP) PIVC training program included: (a) online video and in-person/hands-on training, (b) a pre- and post-implementation knowledge questionnaire, (c) a PIVC skills checklist, and (d) evaluation of the training program. All RNs employed during the project implementation were invited to participate. Results: Pre- and Post-PIVC Insertion Knowledge Assessment scores were explored. There was a total count change score of 1 and an average count change score of 0.33. RNs were assessed using a PIVC Insertion Skills Checklist. Three of the 28 checklist items were completed by less than 100% of the RNs. Lastly, the RNs were given two insertion attempts to be assessed, and with the overall second attempt scores, there was a total change score of 32% and an average percentage change score of 10.67. Keywords: peripheral intravenous catheter, IV, intravenous catheter, insertion, registered nurses, RNs, nurses, home health, home care, infusion nursing, infusion therapy, training program, training, competenc