title: Increasing nurse competence in peripheral intravenous therapy.
abstract: Infiltration and phlebitis are common complications associated with peripherally inserted vascular (PIV) therapy. This performance improvement plan included a pretest, a competency-based training module, and a posttest to determine whether nursing knowledge of infiltration and phlebitis improved. The postintervention data revealed a 50% reduction in infiltration and phlebitis. Annual education requirements combined with competency skills for assessing PIV catheter sites will provide nursing staff with the knowledge and tools to change current practice.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina (Dr Woody); and University of Southern Indiana, Evansville, Indiana (Dr Davis). Gina Woody, DNP, RN, is employed as a clinical associate professor for the College of Nursing at East Carolina University. She has many years of teaching in undergraduate education in the medical/surgical program, integrating infusion therapy into the curriculum. Barbara A. Davis, PhD, RN, is a professor emerita for the College of Nursing and Health Professions at the University of Southern Indiana. She has many years of teaching and research experience related to patient satisfaction, emergency nursing, critical care, and instrument development.
authors.forename: Gina
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Woody
authors.forename: Barbara A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Davis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009740:Nursing Staff / Q000592:standards*; D055815:Young Adult