Learning Center

Vascular access device (VAD) selection is a complex and evolving part of infusion therapy practice. The key foundational concept to VAD selection is vessel health and preservation, selecting the optimal VAD that will support administration of required infusion therapy while maintaining patient safety. It includes 4 basic segments: patient specific assessment and appropriate VAD selection, skilled clinician VAD insertion, VAD management to promote positive outcomes, and analyzing organizational data to identify areas for improvement. The choice of the correct VAD for placement is reliant on thorough understanding of VAD and infusate characteristics within the context of the individual patient’s condition and infusion therapy requirements. This session will review the risks and benefits of VAD options, the infusate components that increase injury risk, then apply those criteria to promote patient safety through to a case-based discussion from various clinical settings.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, learners will be able to:

•    Describe characteristics of peripheral and central vascular access devices through risk/analysis perspective

•    Identify infusate components that increase the risk of patient injury

•    Apply VAD and infusate characteristics in a case scenario format to optimize patient safety

Contact Hours: 1

CRNI^® RUs: 2

Barb Nickel, APRN-CNS, CCRN, CRNI®, Clinical Nurse Specialist, CommonSpirit Health

Intravascular catheters are among the most frequently used medical devices in healthcare. Their widespread use—across millions of insertions, access procedures, and maintenance events—significantly increases the risk of healthcare-associated infections.  

The purpose of this presentation is to provide a framework that vascular access team (VAT) members can use to reduce the risk of post-insertion infections associated with vascular access devices (VADs). Recent U.S. and international infection prevention (IP) research highlights a growing number of emerging issues and recommended interventions relevant to vascular access teams (VATs). These include hand hygiene adherence, proper use of personal protective equipment, and environmental exposure risks such as contaminated sinks.  

New federal legislation on hospital-onset bacteremia has expanded prevention efforts to all VADs, not just central lines. Additional focus areas include defining core components of infection risk mitigation, gaining leadership support, and optimizing catheter placement to reduce infection. Advances in antimicrobial dressings, blood culture contamination reduction, and updated IP strategies for peripheral IVs are also emphasized.  

Finally, monitoring post-insertion care with attention to bundle compliance remains a key priority. A review of emerging IP issues will inform necessary updates to VAD clinical practice protocols. These revisions aim to enhance patient safety by strengthening infection prevention across assessment, insertion, and maintenance practices. 

Learning Objectives: By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 

• Summarize the emerging IP issues that will influence VAD practice. 
• Summarize new peer-reviewed studies and expert guideline recommendations that impact VAD practice. 
• Reproduce a listing of emerging IP intervention considerations that reflect recent research findings. 

Contact Hours: 1

CRNI^® RUs: 2

Robert Garcia, MT(ASCP), CIC, FAPIC, Infection Prevention Consultant, Enhanced Epidemiology LLC

Catheter-associated bloodstream infection (CABSI) prevention has traditionally focused on 2 primary routes: skin flora migration along the catheter (extraluminal) and contamination introduced through the hub (intraluminal). Yet a third pathway—gross “outside-in” contamination from environmental or body fluids—remains underrecognized and largely absent from current infection-prevention (IP) bundles. The “What is Missing” concept addresses this overlooked pathway, taking a closer look at targeted interventions. This session examines the evidence for this neglected route, its clinical consequences, and the procedural vulnerabilities that permit it. This presentation highlights the urgent need to address this gap in protection and will review practical solutions for clinicians in all settings. Integrating these strategies into vascular access practices supports a systems-based approach to improve infection control to close the gap between ideal protocols and real-world practice. 

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, learners will be able to:  

• Identify the 3 primary routes of CABSI, including the underrecognized “outside-in” contamination pathway 
• Analyze real-world evidence and case data to determine the role of gross environmental contamination in the development of CABSI 
• Evaluate the limitations of current infection prevention practices and technologies in addressing visible contamination of vascular access components 
• Recommend practical, system-based interventions to reduce the risk of catheter-related infections in clinical practice 

Contact Hours: 1

CRNI^® RUs: 2

Nancy Moureau, PhD, RN, CRNI®, CPUI™, VA-BC, CEO, PICC Excellence

Peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) vasopressor administration is increasingly used to expedite the treatment of sepsis when central venous access is not immediately available. National guidelines now support short-term peripheral administration of vasopressors in adults. This session will review a multi-hospital health care system study of PIVC vasopressor use focusing on both a retrospective chart review as well as qualitative exploration of nurses’ perspectives on guideline implementation. Findings highlight the importance of adhering to standardized guidelines to minimize complications from peripheral vasopressor use and emphasize nurses’ key role in safe implementation. Evidence supports the safe use of peripheral vasopressors when guided by evidence-based guidelines and underscores the need for prospective, multicenter research to refine best practices and inform national standards. 

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, learners will be able to:  

1. Describe the key components of national guidelines for peripheral vasopressor administration in adult sepsis patients 
2. Explain the relationship between adherence to peripheral vasopressor guidelines and the occurrence of complications 
3. Discuss frontline nurses’ perspectives and confidence levels in administering vasopressors through PIVCs and identify strategies to improve practice adherence 

Contact Hours: 1
CRNI® RUs: 2

Joan Harvey, DNP, MSN, RN, GERO-BC, CCRN, Nurse Scientist, Hackensack Meridian Health

Susan H. Weaver, PhD, RN, CRNI®, NEA-BC, Nurse Scientist, Hackensack Meridian Health

More information coming soon...

Contact Hours: 1

CRNI^® RUs: 2

Karen Meade, MS, APRN-CNS, AGCNS-BC, OCN, Clinical Nurse Specialist, The James Cancer Hospital at The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center

Sepsis is a life-threatening response to infection and a leading cause of death and costly hospitalizations in the United States, disproportionately affecting older adults. This presentation will explore differences between community- and hospital-acquired sepsis, its pathophysiology, and the physical and cognitive challenges survivors often face. Through case examples and educational resources from a sepsis nurse expert, attendees will gain tools to raise awareness, recognize early signs, and improve patient outcomes across the continuum of care. 

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, learners will be able to:  

• Describe the incidence, mortality, and cost burden of sepsis, differentiating between community-acquired and hospital-acquired cases 

• Explain the pathophysiology of sepsis, including its progression from sepsis to severe sepsis and septic shock, and identify early signs and symptoms 

• Discuss the impact of sepsis on vulnerable populations, especially older adults, including long-term functional, cognitive, and psychological effects 

• Analyze the role of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in sepsis and evaluate prevention strategies to reduce infection risk 

• Apply sepsis screening tools and care bundles in clinical practice while identifying resources and strategies to empower patients, caregivers, and health care professionals in sepsis awareness, prevention, and management  

Contact Hours: 1
CRNI® RUs: 2

Claudia Orth, BSN, RN, Director, Professional Education & Training, Sepsis Alliance

Intravenous smart pumps (IVSPs) have become indispensable tools in modern infusion therapy, supporting nurses in accurate and safe medication delivery. Despite their ubiquity in United States hospitals, IVSP data, which may include alarms, alerts, keystrokes, and infusion status, remain an underutilized resource for nursing-led quality improvement. This presentation explores how IVSP data can illuminate gaps in clinical practice and support nursing-driven interventions to improve safety and efficiency. This session will demonstrate how nursing perspectives are essential in interpreting IVSP data, advocate for nurse access to data platforms, and highlight opportunities for real-time problem solving that bridges technology and patient care. 

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, learners will be able to:  

1. Explain how infusion pump data is collected and interpreted, including distinctions between alerts and alarms 
2. Describe a real-world example of how nursing interpretation of IVSP data informed clinical practice changes or system-level enhancements at a large academic medical center 
3. Identify at least 2 types of infusion pump data nurses can use to improve practice 
4. Discuss strategies to increase nursing engagement with infusion pump analytics and vendor partnerships 

Contact Hours: 1
CRNI® RUs: 2

Jeannine Blake, PhD, RN, Assistant Professor, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Karen Meade, MS, APRN-CNS, AGCNS-BC, OCN, Clinical Nurse Specialist, The James Cancer Hospital at The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center

Patients with hypercoagulable conditions present unique challenges for vascular access clinicians. Choosing the most appropriate vascular access device (VAD) requires balancing infusion therapy needs, vessel health preservation, and minimizing thrombosis risk. This session will explore hypercoagulable disease states, such as cancer-associated thrombosis, antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, and inherited thrombophilias, and discuss how each impacts device selection, dwell time, and maintenance practices. Attendees will review current evidence, clinical guidelines, and case scenarios that highlight the intersection of pathophysiology, device choice, and patient outcomes.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, learners will be able to:  

• Identify common hypercoagulable disease states encountered in infusion and vascular access practice 

• Analyze how hypercoagulability influences the risk profile for peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), midline catheters, ports, and tunneled catheters 

• Apply evidence-based strategies to guide VAD selection and management for patients with elevated thrombotic risk 

• Integrate risk-mitigation approaches into patient education, insertion practices, and ongoing device maintenance 

Contact Hours: 1
CRNI® RUs: 2

Britt Meyer, PhD, RN, CRNI®, VA-BC, NE-BC, Nurse Manager Operations Vascular Access Team, Duke Hospital