Goal: Zero Catheter Related Blood Stream Infections

This instructional course has been designed to education licensed clinicians regarding the national efforts in effect to reduce the number of central venous access device related blood stream infections. The Joint Commission has addressed this issue in its National Patient Safety Goals by requiring education of all medical personnel who are involved in managing central lines, both in hospitals and long term care facilities. This education is expected to be completed on hire, annually thereafter, and when involvement in these procedures is added to an individual's job responsibilities.

State Boards of Nursing have varying positions on the role of the LPN/LVN in the administration of infusion therapy. A link to each state board of nursing is listed here. Competency requirements are obtained and maintained through the clinician's employer, facility or institution. 

In early 2024, the Infusion Nurses Society (INS), recognized as the global authority in infusion therapy, released the updated Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice. The INS sets the accepted standards for infusion therapy practice for all healthcare settings. This course is based on the current best practices as defined by the Infusion Nursing Society and other governing agencies such as the CDC, and FDA.

Questions? Check out our FAQs page and How Online IV Certification Works!

Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the participant will be able to:

  1. Identify at least three negative effects of central line related bloodstream infections.
  2. Identify at least two methods by which central lines become colonized.
  3. Identify at least three strategies to reduce the risk of CRBSI at the time of catheter insertion.
  4. Recognize the proper time intervals and procedures for dressing change, injection port change, and site observation.
  5. State the recommended methods for obtaining blood cultures for CRBSI diagnosis.
  6. State the recommended methods for treating CRBSI. 

Curriculum

Chapter 1: Scope of Problem

  • Morbidity / Mortality
  • Cost
  • Surveillance

Chapter 2: Catheter Insertion

  • Site Selection
  • Sterile Technique
  • Antimicrobial Impregnated Catheters 

Chapter 3: Catheter Site Maintenance

  •  Dressing
  •  Needleless Connector
  •  Observation

 Chapter 4: Medication Administration

  •  Infusate
  •  Administration Set
  •  Flushing 

Chapter 5: Diagnosis and Treatment

  • Clinical Findings
  • Cultures
  • Treatment
  • California Bill 241
  • Implicit Bias in Healthcare
  • What is Implicit Bias?
  • Implications of Implicit Bias in Healthcare
  • How to Reduce Implicit Bias

Price: $24.00

Contact Hours: 2

Course Author

Pamela Clark

Pamela Clark, CRNI, is an infusion nurse with the Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. She has more than 35 years of experience in infusion therapy and infusion education with both licensed nurses and patients. Her experience spans multiple infusion settings including: acute care, long-term care, home infusion, and ambulatory infusion care. She also has experience in oncology and oncology research.

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Course Accreditation

See our Accreditation Statements page to view our accreditation information.

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