Our Frequently Asked Questions list is under review for updates. A more comprehensive version will be posted to this page soon! In the meantime if you don't see an answer to your questions; feel free to contact us!
What do the initials P.I.C.C. stand for?
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter
What is the difference between a PICC line and a Midline catheter?
Mainly length and the duration of the catheter dwell (length of time the catheter can typically stay in the vein). A Midline is a catheter that is from 3 to 8 inches in length. Upon insertion of a Midline catheter into a vein of the upper extremity; the tip of the Midline lies in the upper arm at or below the axillary vein level distal to the shoulder (see Infusion Nurses Society (INS) 2006 standard #42.3). A PICC line extends from the antecubital area or upper arm with the tip in the superior vena cava. Dwell time of a PICC is longer than the dwell time of the Midline.
What requirements must be met prior to beginning insertion of PICC Lines and/or Midline catheters?
The healthcare professional should be thoroughly trained in PICC and Midline catheter insertions and must meet their state's laws and licensing board's rules and regulations, as well as meet the individual's organizational policies and procedures. The Infusion Nurses Society (INS) Standards of Practice (year 2006) supports this in standard #42.1 which states: "The nurse shall demonstrate competency in and knowledge of catheter placement according to the state's Nurse Practice Act, rules and regulations promulgated by the state's Board of Nursing, organizational policies and procedures, and practice guidelines." - The Practice Criteria (C.) under this standard goes on to state: "The nurse placing a catheter should have a comprehensive understanding of anatomy and physiology, vein assessment techniques, and insertion techniques appropriate to the specific device."
What is required for PICC Line certification or IV certification?
In the U.S. true IV Certification is becoming credentialed as an IV specialist by passing an exam and meeting the requirements of the Infusion Nurses Certification Corporation (INCC). The INCC awards the credential of CRNI- Certified Registered Nurse Infusion. The INCC is affiliated with the Infusion Nurses Society (INS). In general the CRNI credential is maintained by completing a required number of INCC continuing education units within a three year period, or by retaking the CRNI exam every three years.
The word certification is used a lot, in most cases employers require the health care professional to be credentialed (meaning found to be competent)and credentialed and certified by the employing organization in performing procedures based upon satisfying a set of criteria based on the organization's policies. Different organizations may have different criteria to consider an individual health care professional "IV certified" or credentialed according to the organization's policy and procedures. The same is true for "PICC Line Certification". In general most organizations will require that the individual complete an educational program followed by that individual performing a certain number of supervised successful catheter insertions. Education companies can assist individuals and health care facilities by ensuring that the training offered is evidence-based and in accordance with current standards and guidelines for vascular access procedures and care.
Upon completion of a PICC Resource Associates, LLC PICC, Midline, and/or IV insertion program, the participant is awarded a certificate of completion and contact hours are earned. The contact hours are from an American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) provider and are valid nationally. Our IV, Midline, and PICC Line insertion classes offer a thorough and comprehensive education based on current infusion industry practices, guidelines, and standards. PICC Resource educational programs more than meet most organizational requirements for IV, Midline, and/or PICC Line credentialing. In addition our phlebotomy for nursing personnel programs in depth content far exceeds the average training content for nurses and nurse technician learning phlebotomy.
Does the one day phlebotomy class meet requirements for phlebotomy certification?
Beware of claims offering phlebotomy certification in one day! Anyone can claim to offer certification and employers are aware that the term is loosely used by a lot of companies. Where is the certification from? National certification through a private company means very little. True certification is designed to be a marker of competancy to demonstrate criteria has been met to perform procedures safely and independently. This is legitimately granted by organizations that set standards and guidelines for the industry such as the National Phlebotomy Association (NPA), and the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute(CLSI). Knowing the requirements of the true national phlebotomy certification organizations and in fairness to our course participants we do not offer a meaningless “certification” for attending our one day phlebotomy class.
PICC Resource Associates, LLC offers a one day phlebotomy class designed as a continuing education class for healthcare professionals and students who are employed in or have a strong background in healthcare. Upon completion of th the class the participant is awarded a certificate of completion and 7.1 contact hours. The contact hours are valid nationally and awarded by through the New York State Nurses Association, an American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) provider. The class material is based on current CLSI standards and is taught by a instructor who is both a certified infusion specialist (CRNI) and a certified phlebotomy instructor, certified by the NPA. Our phlebotomy class is designed to prepare participants to understand and perform phlebotomy procedures. We also provide the tools needed for the participant to continue to pursue legitimate phlebotomy certification after our program. For more information on the phlebotomy class content, click here.
