IV Cannulation - Registered Nurses in NICU

The following outlines the criteria for certification of nurses undertaking IV cannulation within Newborn Services to ensure safety and best outcome.

• The ability to cannulate is not compulsory within NICU but is a requirement for the NICU Flight and Retrieval Team.
• When you are ready to start this programme please approach/email Luanne Massey (IV cannulation portfolio) to register your interest.
• Luanne coordinates the learning package and and monitors the number of nurses learning this skill in NICU at any one time.

Prerequiste: Must have worked as a level 3 nurse in NICU (as defined by ADHB PDRP)

Criteria for Certification

1. View DVD/video on ‘Intravenous Cannulation Insertion’.
2. Read teaching package and pass written test.
3. IV insertion to be demonstrated by a staff member on the IV Certification list.
4. Nurse is to be supervised/instructed for IV insertions by a certified IV cannulation nurse. Three successful IV insertions are to be witnessed and signed off by the supervising nurse.

Maintenance of Certification

1. Maintain skill level by cannulating regularly – aim for a minimum of one successful cannulation every two months (six per calendar year).  Record cannulation activity on competency maintenance sheet as evidence of competency.
2. Yearly practical audit of practice by a colleague to be submitted with your performance appraisal.

Diagrams of Vein and Artery Positions

Anatomy of veins over the hands and feet

Main Veins`of the Arm

Superficial veins of the legs

Main Arteries of the Arm

Popliteal Artery and its Main Branches

References:

• Use this link for a list of useful journal articles regarding I.V cannulation