PICC line flush

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Rudy in Union, New Jersey 60 months ago	Anyone know about maintenance of a PICC line. I have tried googling with mixed results. Can an LPN flush the PICC? In any case do you pull out old heparin or just flush with 3cc of saline follwed by 3cc of heparin? Your observations... - Was this comment helpful? Yes (116) / No (26) Reply - Report abuse
annousoy in Dallas, Texas 60 months ago	Rudy in Union, New Jersey said: Anyone know about maintenance of a PICC line. I have tried googling with mixed results. Can an LPN flush the PICC? In any case do you pull out old heparin or just flush with 3cc of saline follwed by 3cc of heparin? Your observations. flush with 3cc of saline,then 3 cc of heparin - Was this comment helpful? Yes (31) / No (5) Reply - Report abuse
annousoy in Dallas, Texas 60 months ago	For five dollars i will give you the answer to this Question. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (5) / No (24) Reply - Report abuse
rUDY in Union, New Jersey 60 months ago	oK! - Was this comment helpful? Yes (4) / No (4) Reply - Report abuse
Kim in Manchester, New Hampshire 58 months ago	Rudy in Union, New Jersey said: Anyone know about maintenance of a PICC line. I have tried googling with mixed results. Can an LPN flush the PICC? In any case do you pull out old heparin or just flush with 3cc of saline follwed by 3cc of heparin? Your observations... Under LPN's licensure we are not allowed to do anything to a PICC line. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (14) / No (8) Reply - Report abuse
bonnie Mannan in Dallas, Texas 58 months ago	your professional ability depends on your inservice or continuing edcation in I.V. skills. Your best bet is to call your state board and simply ask can I flush picc lines? I have on two occasions called and been told ,if you have practiced the skill, the you are required to continue the skill. This goes for blood, plasma, lipids,hyperelimation,and etc. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (12) / No (1) Reply - Report abuse
susan in Stony Brook, New York 58 months ago	Rudy in Union, New Jersey said: Anyone know about maintenance of a PICC line. I have tried googling with mixed results. Can an LPN flush the PICC? In any case do you pull out old heparin or just flush with 3cc of saline follwed by 3cc of heparin? Your observations... You have to flush with 3cc of n/s followed by 3cc of heparin. These should be in pre measured syringes. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (6) / No (2) Reply - Report abuse
kathleen harrison in Hamilton, Ohio 54 months ago	first i would check with your state board, this can be done online in most states, to see what lpn/lvn's can legally do concerning iv's and picc lines. calling would probably get you a faster response as you would not have to read through a bunch of laws to find your answer. most states do not allow us to flush or do anything with picc lines other than maintain the fluids, and there are catches to this as well. certain fluids can only be maintained by rn's, such as those containing medications, etc. hope this helps! happy hunting! - Was this comment helpful? Yes (9) / No (1) Reply - Report abuse
picc certified nurse, crni in Jackson, Mississippi 53 months ago	you need to check with your state board of nursing because it is decided by your board in the state you practice. you do not remove the heparin. some picc line do not need heparin for different reasons. positive pressure caps or valved lines do not need heparin to maintain the lines. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (3) / No (1) Reply - Report abuse
jessie 53 months ago	It depends on the state. I work in Ga. and LPNs do everything an RN does except initiate blood. However when I work in Tn. it is totally different. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (4) / No (1) Reply - Report abuse
Sandra Shields in Halltown, Missouri 53 months ago	Kim in Manchester, New Hampshire said: Under LPN's licensure we are not allowed to do anything to a PICC line. In the state of Missouri an LPN can flush a picc line. Just use saline to flush it with. - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No (4) Reply - Report abuse
sandi in Hollywood, Florida 53 months ago	in Florida, LPNs cannot push drugs. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (6) / No Reply - Report abuse
sally in Waterlooville, United Kingdom 53 months ago	what is an lpn we do not have them in U.K. - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No (6) Reply - Report abuse
Sarah in Morton Grove, Illinois 53 months ago	I've worked as an LPN in Oklahoma, North Carolina, Virginia and Texas. I did everything but blood--and had basically same responsibilities as the RN, but did run things by the RN(head shift nurse). Of course we had extensive IV training in school and I get close to 100 hrs. continuing ed. in every year. I think in most states it depends on your training and experience. I can't believe that in some states an LPN can't even give IV meds. Not doing IV work would have saved like a month in nursing school!! Lesson--check with the state AND your superior! - Was this comment helpful? Yes (3) / No Reply - Report abuse
Shaz in Sterling Heights, Michigan 52 months ago	If allowed by your States Scope, follow your facility protocol. The NS and Heparin usually come in pre-filled syringes -- NS flush, then med, then NS flush, then Heparin flush. Of course mask, and aspetic technique - Was this comment helpful? Yes (1) / No Reply - Report abuse
Lyndie Boyd in Wilmington, Delaware 51 months ago	Rudy in Union, New Jersey said: Anyone know about maintenance of a PICC line. I have tried googling with mixed results. Can an LPN flush the PICC? In any case do you pull out old heparin or just flush with 3cc of saline follwed by 3cc of heparin? Your observations... Yes No - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse
nurse 8 in Cleveland, Ohio 51 months ago	No LPN are not by law allowed to flush a Picc Line. Although they piggy back a anti-biotic into an already running line that is going into the Picc Line. Can an LPN flush the PICC? In any case do you pull out old heparin or just flush with 3cc of saline follwed by 3cc of heparin? Your observations... - Was this comment helpful? Yes (1) / No Reply - Report abuse
ANNIE MAE in Palm Desert, California 50 months ago	CAN AN LVN FLUSH A PICC LINE IN CALIFORNIA?? - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse
Katiernx2 in Gaithersburg, Maryland 50 months ago	A PICC line is NEVER flushed with any syringe smaller than 10cc. 5 or3cc will rupture the line and be very serious! - Was this comment helpful? Yes (2) / No (2) Reply - Report abuse
Diane in Illinois in Martinsville, Ohio 50 months ago	Sarah in Morton Grove, Illinois said: I've worked as an LPN in Oklahoma, North Carolina, Virginia and Texas. I did everything but blood--and had basically same responsibilities as the RN, but did run things by the RN(head shift nurse). Of course we had extensive IV training in school and I get close to 100 hrs. continuing ed. in every year. I think in most states it depends on your training and experience. I can't believe that in some states an LPN can't even give IV meds. Not doing IV work would have saved like a month in nursing school!! Lesson--check with the state AND your superior! Have you checked in Illinois because it is not allowed in Illinois. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (1) / No Reply - Report abuse
Frank in Raleigh, North Carolina 49 months ago	I am a LPN at duke (which they call MLPN because we have extra training in med administration), and I am on the IV team there. I am able to do everything an RN does with the exception of pushing some classification of drugs, taking the role of charge, and insert PICC lines. I am able to flush and also trouble shoot simple picc issues/problems. The one thing that we here are also not permitted is taking out picc lines. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (5) / No Reply - Report abuse
Sandi in New York, New York 49 months ago	sally in Waterlooville, United Kingdom said: what is an lpn we do not have them in U.K. OK An LPN is a Licensed Practical Nurse. It requires approximately one year in school, usually Vocational/Trade School. There are programs for high school students to get their LPN while in High school. These programs are very new. I saw them in Florida, where I graduated from a Techical School and got my LPN. In one more year of school, LPNs can take the RN-NCLEX. Every state monitors what LPNs can do legally. I am in NYC and do almost everything RNs do. LPNs make less money of course. Does this help? - Was this comment helpful? Yes (2) / No (1) Reply - Report abuse
frans in Knightdale, North Carolina 49 months ago	thanks, but I was aware of that. the only issue is that I think we should be able to D/C picc. i know we cannot insert them. I am on the IV team here at duke, and I've been a nurse for 19 years thanks - Was this comment helpful? Yes (2) / No Reply - Report abuse
Joe in Union, New Jersey 49 months ago	God nursing blows.Finally made it out of that miserable field. For hairy old women with warts. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (4) / No (11) Reply - Report abuse
Mama Rosa in Atlanta, Georgia 47 months ago	annousoy in Dallas, Texas said: SASH----Saline-Antibiotic-Saline-Heparin. PICC Line not use-Flushed with 3cc saline/weekly - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse
HLS in Corona, New York 47 months ago	Mama Rosa in Atlanta, Georgia said: SASH----Saline-Antibiotic-Saline-Heparin. PICC Line not use-Flushed with 3cc saline/weekly SASH is utilized for PICC lines that are in use. As for the being flushed weekly this is done in conjunction with the weekly dsg change for PICC lines that are in and being kept patent while nothing is infusing through it. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (2) / No Reply - Report abuse
cynthia in Perry, Florida 47 months ago	Rudy in Union, New Jersey said: Anyone know about maintenance of a PICC line. I have tried googling with mixed results. Can an LPN flush the PICC? In any case do you pull out old heparin or just flush with 3cc of saline follwed by 3cc of heparin? Your observations... Yes you can flush a picc line as long as you IV certified. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (8) / No Reply - Report abuse
No Name in Jackson, Michigan 45 months ago	It is against protocal for an LPN to flush a picc in Michigan. Facilities want you to do this, but will not take the responsibilty if something goes wrong. I wouldn't if I were you. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (1) / No (1) Reply - Report abuse
steena in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania 45 months ago	10cc syringe! 10cc! and SASH or SAS. Permission for LPN's to gain more priviledges under their license is changing continuously. as long as your state now permits it, AND you have appropriate knowledge/experience/training it is part of your scope of practice. unless your facility protocol prohibits it. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (3) / No Reply - Report abuse
tiye 45 months ago	I'm a lic. LPN living and practicing in Las Vegas Nv, I would suggest that you go back and look into your state laws because each state is different the nursing laws that govern LPN duties. In Las Vegas LPN do not manage PICC or Flush PICC 2nd PICC lines are never pulled out only by Certified RN's or Specialist definitely not LPN. Again check your state board of nursing and facility protocol. Good luck in your. Tiye' - Was this comment helpful? Yes (1) / No Reply - Report abuse
Linda Troiano LPN II in Grove City, Ohio 44 months ago	Rudy in Union, New Jersey said: Anyone know about maintenance of a PICC line. I have tried googling with mixed results. Can an LPN flush the PICC? In any case do you pull out old heparin or just flush with 3cc of saline follwed by 3cc of heparin? Your observations... LPNs CANNOT do anything with a PICC line, other than perform dsg changes and monitor PICC lines! I have a license in 7 states, and have worked in all of them, either on staff or as a traveler. and even with extended certification, LPNs, still cannot, inject, flush or D/C a PICC line. I would suggest looking at you specific state board of nursing "nurse practice act", or send them an e-mail. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (1) / No (3) Reply - Report abuse
Cindy in Steubenville, Ohio 44 months ago	LPNs in West Virginia cannot do IV PUSH medications, but we CAN flush all lines and do. Using the SASH method for everything except a Groshong which uses no Heparin. We are not permitted to ACCESS a Mediport, but we can flush and set up IV lines. We are NOT permitted to pull any kind of line. As my collegues have stated here, check the guidelines for your individual state. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (1) / No (1) Reply - Report abuse
Diana in Bucyrus, Ohio 44 months ago	Rudy in Union, New Jersey said: Anyone know about maintenance of a PICC line. I have tried googling with mixed results. Can an LPN flush the PICC? In any case do you pull out old heparin or just flush with 3cc of saline follwed by 3cc of heparin? Your observations... at school, we were told that NO, we were not able to flush a PICC line. But we were able to clean the area. That is for the RN to do. - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No (1) Reply - Report abuse
John Coxey in Cranston, Rhode Island 44 months ago	I am currently an LPN practicing in two states (NY & RI). In New York: - LPN not allowed to do flush PICC line. Not allowed to push IV medications. Not allowed to change PICC line dressings. Not allowed to hang cardiac medications such as Cardizem, Amiodarone, etc/ (even on patient with normal iv stick). In Rhode Island: - LPN go through facility training programs. Upon successful completion ... LPN can change PICC line dressings, flush PICC lines, and push IV medications. Again ... it depends on the state you are practicing in. Bet bet ... continue your education and grab that RN licence. Hope this helps. Johnny - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse
Ray Byrd in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 44 months ago	An LPN can practice within the "Scope of Practice". The facility you work in is responsible for giving you a job description and the policies of the institution. Some facilities require LPN's to flush Picc lines. You NEVER flush with a syringe smaller than 10ml. Flushing with 8 to 10 ml of saline followed by 8 ml of heparin use to be standard. Some institutions use saline only. - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No (1) Reply - Report abuse
CJ in Shreveport, Louisiana 43 months ago	Rudy in Union, New Jersey said: Anyone know about maintenance of a PICC line. I have tried googling with mixed results. Can an LPN flush the PICC? In any case do you pull out old heparin or just flush with 3cc of saline follwed by 3cc of heparin? Your observations... NO L.P.N SHOULD FLUSH A PICC LINE YOUR HOSPITAL MUST HAVE STANDARDS OF CARE.IF IN DOUBT CONTACT YOUR PHARMACY.YOU MUST BE CERTIFIED TO INSERT/DISCONTINUE PICC LINES. - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No (2) Reply - Report abuse
Ray Byrd in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida 43 months ago	CJ in Shreveport, Louisiana said: NO L.P.N SHOULD FLUSH A PICC LINE YOUR HOSPITAL MUST HAVE STANDARDS OF CARE.IF IN DOUBT CONTACT YOUR PHARMACY.YOU MUST BE CERTIFIED TO INSERT/DISCONTINUE PICC LINES. May be true where you practice, but not everywhere. LPN's with IV certification can and do flush PICC lines in certain states and facilities. LPN's still don't flush Swanz Ganz or other central lines, but I have flushed Picc lines for 7 years at the facilities I have worked in, in the state Commonwealth of Kentucky. - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse
Ruth Higgins in Alabama in Alpharetta, Georgia 43 months ago	1st of all when in question call your state board. As an LPN we are not allowed to push any IV meds, which is different from hanging IV fluids and maintaining those fluids. As far as a picc line/mediport that is the responsibility of the RN. Why would you want to put your self in the position of a law suit for carring out a higher educated person responsibility. I work in a place where RN's are forever trying to get the LPN to take care of their patients. You have to protect yourself as well as your patient. So NO you can not flush a PICC line. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (2) / No (1) Reply - Report abuse
Nurse Michele in Salisbury, Maryland 43 months ago	An LPN might do something that the other nurses at work say that they can do but in any cases that I know of, LPN's can not do IV push meds. It is best for you to check with your state as well as there should be a facility outline at your place of work. - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse
Tracy in West Orange, New Jersey 42 months ago	As an LPN in NJ , I am able to flush PICC lines, I am IV cerified, I can insert IV's, I must be certified per facility, but it is within the NJ LPN scope of Practice, I can also hang an IVPB, I believe it can't be the first dose, that would be hung by the RN, most of the sub-acute units in NJ are staffed by LPN's with a supervising RN, it would be impossible for one RN to do all IV work - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse
TDO in Houston, Texas 41 months ago	LVN/LPN in Texas, if they have received IV certification, can insert, flush and hang peripherial iv's. In order for a LVN/LVN to handle Central or PICC lines, the IV course taken has to include that specific training. They cannot insert or discontinue a PICC or Central Lines,and they cannot access or de-access a Mediport. - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse
Babynurse32 in Mesa, Arizona 41 months ago	I was a LPN for 7 years and went back to get my RN. I have worked in Ohio and Texas as both and as many other nurses stated know your states scope of practice many co-workers and facilities will have to do things that are not with in your scope as a LPN/LVN but if something were to happen the board of nursing will hold you accountable for knowing your scope of practice. So be smart and always CYA. - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse
weezeeharley in Atlanta, Georgia 40 months ago	As a practicing LPN for over 25 years in GA, the rules have changed so many times, but as of 1/1/09 the Georgia Board of Nursing for LPN's has NO list of what you can and can't do, it's left up to the facility. Care and maintenance of a central catheter, whether it be PICC, portacath, triple leumen, what ever, differs from facility..usually it's saline, medication, saline, heparin...we use saline 10cc's then 5-10cc's hep-lock..which is 100 units of heparin per ml. - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse
kodapup in Denver, Colorado 40 months ago	LPN's in Colo. may flush picc lines, 10cc NS, do not use Heparin, picc lines have positive pressure caps, therefore do not use Heparin, Infusaports are flushed and then Heparin is used when ports are de-accessed. Hope this helps, but if you go state to state you have to check with the Board of Nursing because IV certification does not always transfer. - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No (1) Reply - Report abuse
yenwat75 in Lutherville Timonium, Maryland 39 months ago	Linda Troiano LPN II in Grove City, Ohio said: LPNs CANNOT do anything with a PICC line, other than perform dsg changes and monitor PICC lines! I have a license in 7 states, and have worked in all of them, either on staff or as a traveler. and even with extended certification, LPNs, still cannot, inject, flush or D/C a PICC line. I would suggest looking at you specific state board of nursing "nurse practice act", or send them an e-mail. You may have worked in 7 states but you have not worked in all states.Because in Maryland LPNs can flush PICC lines within the parameters of the nursing regs for "that" state.And be advised, that those regulations are sometimes amended to add or take away duties. So one needs to stay current with theses changes. All of those who answered this blog with the advice to "contact your state board" are the correct ones. You should be very careful about accepting advice from nurses from different states for those states are all governed by different regulations and guidlines. Definitely do not take any advice regarding someone elses instructions for performing a procedure that you obviously have not had any experience with. So, when in doubt, go to the source. Your local Board of Nursing. Its your license.......Protect it! - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse
theresacammack@yahoo.com in Houston, Texas 39 months ago	Kim in Manchester, New Hampshire said: Under LPN's licensure we are not allowed to do anything to a PICC line. This information is wrong. Just check with your hospital policy or check with Local Board of nursing. - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse
ellei m in Lexington, North Carolina 39 months ago	sally in Waterlooville, United Kingdom said: what is an lpn we do not have them in U.K. Yes you do! They are called enrolled nurses in the UK! - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse
ellei m in Lexington, North Carolina 39 months ago	Joe in Union, New Jersey said: God nursing blows.Finally made it out of that miserable field. For hairy old women with warts. Why do you say that, what went wrong in your nursing career? And what are doing now? - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse
BuddhaNature 38 months ago	yenwat75 in Lutherville Timonium, Maryland said: You may have worked in 7 states but you have not worked in all states.Because in Maryland LPNs can flush PICC lines within the parameters of the nursing regs for "that" state.And be advised, that those regulations are sometimes amended to add or take away duties. So one needs to stay current with theses changes. All of those who answered this blog with the advice to "contact your state board" are the correct ones. You should be very careful about accepting advice from nurses from different states for those states are all governed by different regulations and guidlines. Definitely do not take any advice regarding someone elses instructions for performing a procedure that you obviously have not had any experience with. So, when in doubt, go to the source. Your local Board of Nursing. Its your license.......Protect it! Thanks for your comment,which is right on target.LPNS can flush PICC lines in my state, and that is a fairly new occurence. We also must be IV certified yearly. As you said,the best source is each nurses state BON. - Was this comment helpful? Yes (2) / No (1) Reply - Report abuse
hedy in Columbus, Ohio 38 months ago	for the iv therapy, do you have to be tested yeary and certified in your state? - Was this comment helpful? Yes / No Reply - Report abuse

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