VAD Care & Maintenance

Who this course is for

Nurses and licensed clinical staff reviewing this area of vascular access practice.

Review within your professional scope and facility policy. Procedural practice requires appropriate clinical supervision and separate competency validation.

What you'll learn

• Select and change dressings using aseptic non-touch technique
• Apply correct flushing and locking protocols by device
• Perform systematic site assessment and documentation

About the course

The daily practices that keep vascular access devices working and patients safe: dressing selection and change technique, evidence-based flushing and locking, systematic site assessment, and connector/tubing changes.

Your course curriculum

9 included modules. Open the sections below to review their topics.

1. DRS100: Dressings and Dressing Changes for VADs

   Describe the clinical significance of the dressing, select the correct dressing type, identify benefits/limitations and change frequency, perform sterile dressing-change technique, prevent medical adhesive-related skin injury (MARSI), and execute comprehensive site assessment and documentation per I

2. FLU100: Flushing — The Science and Evidence

   Understand the science of vascular access flushing and locking: the SASH/SAS protocol, push-pause (pulsatile) method, positive-pressure technique, flush volume calculation, and device-specific flush frequency per INS 2024 standards.

3. PIV305: Applying Best Practices to VAD Management

   Implement evidence-based assessment protocols, flushing techniques, and maintenance procedures for vascular access devices. Learn daily surveillance strategies and when to remove devices based on clinical necessity.

4. PIV330: Dressings and Dressing Changes for VADs

   Master the principles of vascular access device (VAD) dressing selection and maintenance to prevent infections and maintain site integrity. Learn evidence-based dressing change protocols, skin antisepsis techniques, and comprehensive site assessment strategies.

5. PIV335: Flushing: The Science and Evidence

   Understand the SASH protocol and evidence-based flushing techniques to maintain catheter patency and prevent thrombosis. Master pulsatile flushing technique, flush volume calculations, positive pressure methods, and frequency guidelines.

6. PIV340: Function and Management of Needleless Connectors

   Master the selection, function, and management of needleless connectors to prevent bloodborne pathogens and maintain asepsis. Learn about connector types, disinfection protocols, change frequencies, clamping sequences, and troubleshooting techniques.

7. PIV350: Methods of Securement

   Achieve optimal catheter securement to prevent movement, infiltration, and loss of vascular access. Compare adhesive devices (StatLock), tape methods, and advanced securement techniques while understanding INS guidelines and CLABSI impact.

8. PIV445: Assessment of PIV Site and Function

   Master periodic PIV site assessment every 4 hours using VIP scale (0-5). Identify phlebitis signs (mechanical, chemical, bacterial), infiltration grading (1-4), and proper flush assessment. Track dwell time, maintain documentation, and determine when to remove PIV for complications or routine 96-hou

9. Implanted Port Access, Care, and Maintenance

   Comprehensive training on totally implanted venous access port (TIVAP) access, de-access, flushing, locking, and maintenance per INS Standards of Practice (2024).

Meet the curriculum team

Course lessons include learning objectives and knowledge assessments. Preview the material to see whether the teaching fits your needs.

Before you enroll

Comparing learning paths? Our PICC, IV therapy, and midline education guide explains the differences and links to related courses.