February 2020
Kevin
Horne
,
BSN, RN
Pediatric Vascular Access Team
Augusta University Medical Center
Augusta
,
GA
United States
We admitted a 9-year-old little girl who was being admitted for Milrinone IV therapy 24 hours prior to her open heart surgery. The patient was one of the most anxious patients I have worked within my 15 years of pediatric nursing experience. The patient's mother already warned the nursing staff of how much the patient was dreading getting stuck for an IV, especially being a "hard stick usually requiring multiple sticks with a lot of screaming and crying". Our physician team even ordered a dose of Intranasal Versed for the patient (if needed) realizing we would probably need it to even stick for a peripheral IV. The patient had an order for a PICC line consult/insertion as well. The bedside nurse paged PVAT and Kevin called back explaining he would come to assess the patient. Kevin Horne arrived within 15 minutes after being paged. He was very professional with the PICU nurses and the patient's mother. Kevin took extra time explaining what would need to happen in order to best meet the patient's needs. He answered all of the mother's questions and reassured her of the process. Most impressive was Kevin's interaction with the little girl and how he attempted to gain her trust about having to be stuck for an IV so she could get her "sleeping medicine" for the PICC line she needed for surgery the next day. Kevin was able to successfully place an IV (on the first stick) without the bedside nurse even needing to administer the IN Versed. There was a coordinated effort between the PVAT & Pediatric Sedation Team to place the PICC line that day at 11:00. Kevin came back with his team members and successfully placed a PICC line. I am thankful we have Kevin and his teammates available, as they make such a difference for our patients.