Learning Center
Peripheral Vasopressors: Are We Following Guidelines and What are Nurses’ Perspective? [virtual]
Includes a Live Web Event on 04/12/2026 at 9:15 AM (EDT)
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:
- Describe the key components of national guidelines for peripheral vasopressor administration in adult sepsis patients
- Explain the relationship between adherence to peripheral vasopressor guidelines and the occurrence of complications
- 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
Joan Harvey, DNP, MSN, RN, GERO-BC, CCRN, is a Program Manager and Nurse Scientist at Hackensack Meridian Health and Director of the Accelerated BSN Program at Georgian Court University. She has more than 40 years of nursing experience, with progressive leadership roles in critical care, nursing education, gerontology, and clinical research. Dr Harvey has served as principal or co-investigator on multiple studies focused on geriatric care, nurse well-being, staffing, fatigue, and evidence-based practice, and she is the author of peer-reviewed publications in the Journal of Nursing Leadership, Nursing Administration Quarterly, and Journal of Nursing Management. Her professional achievements include the New Jersey Governor’s Award for Nursing Excellence and the Nightingale Award. Dr Harvey is a frequent national and regional speaker on nursing research, workforce resilience, and quality improvement.
Susan H. Weaver, PhD, RN, CRNI®, NEA-BC
Nurse Scientist, Hackensack Meridian Health
Susan Heidenwolf Weaver, PhD, RN, CRNI®, NEA-BC, is a nurse scientist at the Ann May Center for Nursing at Hackensack Meridian Health and the New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing. Sue has experience as an ICU nurse and Nurse Educator, with responsibility for teaching the IV Course, Operations Manager and Evening Administrative Supervisor. As a nurse scientist, Sue has conducted research on the nursing workforce, with a focus on the evening and night administrative supervisor role. Sue has presented and has been published on critical “behind the scenes” nurse leadership roles. Sue lives in Lake Mohawk, New Jersey, has 3 great children and is a basket weaver!
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