I work at a large teaching hospital with a very progressive and autonomous respiratory department. I am interested in developing a group of therpaist competent in placing arterial lines. Although this may not be a skill regularly performed by respiratory therapists it certaintly falls within our scope of practice. I often encounter situations where patients are in need of an a-line and no one capable is available to place one. This occurs both in our ICUs and emergency department. I foresee this as an opportunity to not only avoid delaying patient care but to also advance our therapist critical skills.
Could anyone working at a hospital where the respiratory therapist perform such tasks share their process of educating and then sign-off on this competency. I am aware that "Vascular Line Insurtion" is pre-course offered at this years AARC conference and think that it could be the ideal resource. But any and all feedback would be greatly appriciated.
Kyle Hitchens
Christiana Care Health System