News

Why AVA 2015 Is

The Vascular Access Meeting You Need To Attend!

Never attended an AVA meeting?

Attended previous AVA meetings?

You have seen first-hand how this meeting continues to expand its educational depth and networking opportunities. We continue to listen to you - our attendees - and have added educational presentations exactly suited to your daily practice. Our networking opportunities will enable you to meet colleagues with similar challenges and the sessions will leave you with tools for solutions and success!

In just a few short weeks, our 2015 Conference website (www.avainfo.org/annual) will be updated with information such as, registration fees, hotel rates, and much more.

Remember, our Call for Abstracts for Poster Display and Oral Presentation is open now through April 8th. 

December 2014
What’s Inside

At AVA, Expanding Scope of Vascular Access Practice Is a Big Focus

Expanding Vascular Access Practice: Experts Tell How They Did It

JAVA Study: ARROW® PICC with Chlorag+ard® Technology Reduced Bloodstream Infections and Treatment Costs


At AVA, Expanding Scope of Vascular Access
Practice Was a Big Focus

The growing trend toward having vascular access professionals place CVCs and arterial lines was a big focus at the recent AVA annual meeting. Also, a frequent topic of discussion was the Affordable Care Act (ACA, or Obamacare) and the opportunities it’s creating for vascular access clinicians to have more influence.

The meeting officially kicked off with a rousing keynote from Matthew Ostroff, the Vascular Access Coordinator at St Joseph’s Hospital, in Emerson, N.J. Among other highlights, Nancy Moureau of PICC Excellence received the Herbst Award for excellence. And pressing issues such as superbugs and venous thrombosis were the topic of well-attended talks.
The Premier Institute’s Leslie Schultz focused her talk on how the ACA can be instrumental in expanding the role of non-physician inserters and in lowering hospital CLABSI. She discusses her key points in this video.

To read more, click here

Expanding Vascular Access Practice:
Experts Tell How They Did It

If you wanted to expand the scope of your vascular access nursing practice, how would you go about doing it? Presentations at the recent conference of the Association for Vascular Access provided tips on how clinicians can expand their roles to insert central venous and arterial catheters.

The two posters were a testament to the growing movement for nurses to expand their practices to include CVC and arterial line insertions – a movement that Teleflex supports with CVC courses and other tools.

Also talking to colleagues at AVA about expanding practices to include placement of central lines was Jim Bryant, Vascular Access Specialist, Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, Chesapeake who summarizes his experience and offers tips in this brief video.

To read more, click here

JAVA Study: ARROW® PICC with Chlorag+ard® Technology Reduced Bloodstream Infections and Treatment Costs
A new study in the AVA journal shows that a unique antimicrobial and antithrombogenic PICC was associated with a nearly nine-fold reduction in the rate of CLABSIs at a leading California hospital. Use of the ARROW® PICC with Chlorag+ard® Technology was the only intervention that a large San Diego-area medical center undertook to reduce bloodstream infections during the study period. The CLABSI reduction was statistically significant.

To read more, click here

Matthew Ostroff is a per diem and paid consultant of Teleflex Incorporated.
Leslie Schultz is a paid speaker and consultant of Teleflex Incorporated.
Jim Bryant is a paid speaker of Teleflex Incorporated.

VA-BC is a trademark of The Vascular Access Certification Corporation.
Teleflex, Arrow and Chlorag+ard are trademarks or registered trademarks of Teleflex Incorporated or its affiliates.
© 2014 Teleflex Incorporated. All rights reserved. MC-000657


TELEFLEX PO Box 12600 Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Toll Free: 866.246.6990 Phone: +1.919.544.8000
TELEFLEX.COM

The Association for Vascular Access is pleased to announce that Nancy Moureau, BSN, RN, CRNI®, CPUI, VA-BC™ has been selected as the recipient of the 2014 Suzanne LaVere Herbst Award for Excellence in Vascular Access (the Award). The Award, the highest honor bestowed by AVA, is given annually to a member that exemplifies the mission of AVA, is a recognized expert in our field and has made significant contributions to the art and science of vascular access and/or affected outcomes for persons requiring vascular access.



Each year members are nominated for the Award by their peers during an open nomination period announced to the AVA membership. Each nomination is scored using objective criteria by a panel of reviewers made up of members from the AVA Board of Directors, Committee Leadership and previous Award recipients using the nomination form, letters of recommendation from peers and colleagues and the nominee’s curriculum vitae.

Nancy Moureau epitomizes the spirit of the Suzanne LaVere Herbst Award for Excellence in Vascular Access. An internationally recognized educator, speaker, clinical expert and consultant in the field of vascular access Nancy began her career in nursing in 1981 in neonatal and pediatric intensive care. In 1984, Nancy moved to a role in vascular access and infusion therapy in home infusion as a staff nurse, clinical educator and manager. Nancy has continued to practice clinically throughout her career. She is currently employed as a per diem staff nurse - IV/PICC Team at Greenville Hospital in Greenville, South Carolina.

One of the early thought leaders in the development of PICC education and training in the late 1980s and early 1990s, Nancy championed expansion of nursing roles in vascular access. In 1994, she founded PICC Excellence, Inc. a company dedicated to providing clinical education, consulting and research in the field of vascular access.

Nancy has spoken as an invited or sponsored speaker at professional meetings and conferences worldwide. She has provided clinical education offerings throughout the United States, Canada, South America, Europe and Asia.

Nancy has authored and co-authored more than 19 published articles in peer-reviewed journals and 20 published articles in trade and professional publications related to vascular access and infusion therapy. She has been a contributing author to 4 textbooks and several published educational programs.

Nancy served as Treasurer of NAVAN (now AVA) from 1997-2001. She also served as a Director-at-Large on the AVA Board of Directors from 2003-2005. Over the years, she has served on various AVA committees and task forces. She is a member of several professional associations and societies.

A quote from the person that nominated Nancy for the Award truly reflects Nancy’s passion and dedication to the Vascular Access Specialty:

Where I would like to recognize Nancy is her belief, encouragement and motivation [of] others.

Nancy is a great communicator, educator, and facilitator. Nancy truly strives to be excellent and helps those she works with to be the same. Her "can do" attitude presents a positive and constructive message. This definitely comes across in the way Nancy interacts with her peers, colleagues and clients.

Nancy gets results and builds roads for sustainable results and outcomes. Beyond anything else, Nancy is genuine, and focused on making a difference in any way she can. She not only has a vision for the future of the Vascular Access Profession, but she has been instrumental in helping others to both create and share in that vision.

In the nomination recommendation letters a consistent theme appears – Nancy’s availability to answer any question, mentor or teach her students long after they have completed her programs. Her peers note that Nancy has served as an inspiration, mentor and advisor.

Please join us on Sunday, September 7th at 11:00 am in Potmoac AB at the Gaylord National Hotel as she is presented with this prestigious award.

Congratulations Nancy!

Congratulations to the following members for being selected as the GulfVAN scholarship recipients--

Melody Linquist

James Sutton

Darlene Socha

Each scholarship is worth the $475 registration fee to the AVA National meeting in September. GulfVAN would like to thank their corporate partners- MedComp and ICU Medical, Inc.- for their generous contributions and support. 

Enhance your AVA experience by adding just 1 more day to your agenda. AVA has many Pre-Meeting workshops that will provide additional continuing education credits and more in-depth knowledge by focusing on skill-building topics. Join us on Saturday, September 6th for one of these sessions...

Promoting Quality Through Prevention and Management of Pediatric VAD Related Risks 
Contact Hours: 9.6
8:00am - 5:00pm

Proper assessment, placement and care of pediatric vascular access devices from the hospital setting to the home may impact the immediate quality of care and long-term outcomes for the patient. This full-day workshop is designed to give clinicians the tools to prevent, identify and manage risks. The speakers will promote practices that will preserve neonatal and pediatric patient’s venous access throughout the lifespan. Practitioners with all levels of experience will find immediate value in the information provided by this panel of experts. The scope of topics will be relevant for novice to expert vascular access clinicians working with neonates, pediatrics and the adult/pediatric population.A 90 minute lunch sponsored by pediatric vendors will be provided. Attendees will have the opportunity to view new products and give input to companies dedicated to improving tools for pediatric vascular access clinicians.

Ultrasound Guided Central and Arterial Access: Advancing Vascular Access 
Contact Hours: 9.6
7:30am - 5:00pm

Are you looking to advance your scope of practice to include ultrasound guided internal jugular, axillary and arterial catheter insertion? Upon completion of this 8 hour course clinicians will understand fundamentals required to advance their practice into central, arterial and intraosseous insertion. During this course attendees will rotate through several hands on stations enhancing their knowledge and skill to include, sterile technique, ultrasound assessment, device and patient selection and device specific insertion techniques. By the end of the day all attendees will have successfully completed a full central venous catheter, IO and arterial catheter insertion. All course attendees will also have a faculty mentor to aide in pre-course reading and assistance to navigate practice advancement obstacles once the course is complete.

Vascular Access 101 for Industry Professionals: Pre-Meeting Certificate Program 
Contact Hours: 9.6
8:00am - 5:00pm

The Vascular Access Industry Partner™ Certificate Program is designed to educate industry professionals on the basic fundamentals of vascular access. Program participants will gain a basic level of vascular access knowledge, including essential clinical terminology, anatomy, and pathophysiology; review the typical indications for vascular access therapy types of commercially available devices, and the indications for use; create an understanding of the potential complications of vascular access therapy, as well as the challenges presented by special populations such as pediatrics and geriatrics; and create a collaborative relationship between industry and Vascular Access Clinicians. The intended audience includes professionals in the fields of marketing, sales, research and development, engineering, product development, technical support, and medical science liaisons.

Vascular Access Certification Review 
Contact Hours: 9.6
8:00am - 5:00pm

This all day course is intended to provide a review of principles and topics on vascular access to aid the participant to take the Vascular Access Certification Exam with confidence. It is assumed that all attendees are currently involved in the field of vascular access and should be familiar with most of the content. We will cover the "domains of practice", with special attention to pediatrics. Strategies for approaching studying and taking the exam will be covered.

Ultrasound Guided Upper Extremity Simulation Workshop (this workshop title and content has been updated 
Contact Hours: 4.8
1:00pm - 5:00pm

This ultrasound skill lab will focus on recognizing peripheral vascular anatomy and gaining proficiency in simulated peripheral vein access for peripheral catheter insertion. The Right Triangle Method will be featured, as well as the 45/50 rule for ultrasound peripheral catheter insertion to ensure optimal procedure success. This skills lab will reinforce both in plane and out of plane access for peripheral veins of the mid-forearm and upper arm. A systematic approach to upper arm neurovascular assessment will also be reviewed, known as the Zone Insertion Method or ZIM, to guide in optimal insertion. Handouts to guide a systematic approach to ultrasound simulation and to use as a clinical reference will be provided.

As the World Turns: Impact on Vascular Access 
1:00pm - 5:00pm

This pre-meeting session is designed for the international clinician but open to all AVA conference attendees. This session will highlight the essential components of vascular access device insertion and management with an emphasis on peripheral vs. central comparisons. The material will be tailored to the international clinician with consideration of varying practice standards, product availability, clinician training and scope of practice, patient demographics and financial restraints.

These workshops require an additional registration fee.

Review all the great educational sessions that AVA 2014 has to offer at the online Program Planner and the Registration Brochure.

The Association for Vascular Access created the Janet Pettit Scholar Award to honor and commemorate outstanding contributions to the art and science of neonatal and pediatric vascular access. Dr. Pettit epitomized the mission and values of our organization. Those who wish to fully understand this honor must first understand her professional character.

Janet graciously shared her time and her knowledge with professional organizations and individual peers alike. She led the move to establish evidence- based educational programs that improve the care and outcomes for all patient populations. She possessed passion, curiosity and a quest for knowledge, which led her to research and publish many articles that will stand the test of time. Her work on the ‘SAVE that Line’ project is just one example of how she reached across to all patient populations, using her knowledge and experience to improve patient care for all. She also authored the Neonatal PICC Guidelines, the only resource for this special population. Janet’s work as Chair of the Vascular Access Certification Corporation further demonstrated her commitment to excellence in our organization.

Janet held herself to a very high professional standard. Her colleagues understood that she expected the best professionally from not only herself, but also from those with whom she worked. The recipient honored with this award exemplifies Janet’s scholarly excellence, her character and her professionalism. We seek to recognize an educator, researcher or leader who has contributed to the betterment of neonatal and pediatric patients in the field of vascular access while demonstrating a commitment to collaborative practice. Nominations and nominees are not required to be members of AVA or its affiliate organizations or networks. Instead, this award singles out the most worthy candidate in the field of neonatal and pediatric vascular access who has made a significant difference in outcomes and evidence-based education.

In honor of the life work of Dr. Janet Pettit, AVA and the Pediatric Special Interest Group would like to congratulate Dr. Elizabeth Sharpe as the 2014 Janet Pettit Scholar. Dr. Sharpe is recognized for her dedication to continued education, research and publication, teaching and mentoring, and her continued involvement in AVA, the Pediatric SIG, and the National Association of Neonatal Nurses.

Please join us on Sunday, September 7, 2014 at 9:00 am at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center as we congratulate Dr. Elizabeth Sharpe as the 2014 Janet Pettit Scholar.