title: Reflecting on the nursing contribution to vascular access.
abstract: Intravenous (IV) therapy and care has become indispensable in today's modern healthcare environment. However, in a striking reversal of fortune, it has been suggested that the provision of IV services is often taken for granted and underpinned by routine and habit (Lundgren and Ek, 1996; Creamer, 2000). In an attempt to promote reflection within the profession, this article asks key questions about ownership and responsibility, level of ability, appropriateness of device selection, documentation and evaluation of IV care. The aim of this reflective exercise is to forge a stronger relationship between nursing practice and IV care, the ultimate outcome being the development of safe, corroborated, effective and reliable IV nursing care.
authors.affiliation: Intravenous Therapy and Care, Rotherham General Hospitals NHS Trust.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Jackson
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000451:nursing*; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000451:nursing*; D006801:Humans; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009732:Nursing Care / Q000592:standards