Intravenous (IV) insertion is a common procedure for hospitalized pediatric patients, and first-attempt success rates range from 64% to 74% with an average of 2.1 attempts.1,2 Timely and successful access can be challenging in the pediatric patient due to small or fragile veins, younger age, obesity, and patient activity.3–6
Health care providers caring for pediatric patients require specialized education, training, and competencies for safe delivery of care.7–9 Blended learning strategies, which include evidence-based education and hands-on training, have been shown to be effective for initial and ongoing competency assessment.10 Establishing a vascular access curriculum to include patient assessment, vessel anatomy and physiology, proper device selection, vein selection, appropriate catheter size and length, imaging modalities, insertion techniques, securement, dressing, and documentation is essential.
Confirming competency in a simulated environment provides a safe environment to develop necessary technical and critical thinking skills....