PICC Program Expands Lifesaving Skills at Ozarks Healthcare

Specialized catheter training equips more nurses to meet rising patient needs

There are many ways Ozarks Healthcare stands apart from a typical small-town hospital. One of the most critical is its peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) program, which is saving lives nearly every day.

A PICC line is a long, thin tube inserted through a vein in a patient’s arm and threaded into the large central veins near the heart. It's commonly used to administer medications or liquid nutrition in serious medical cases. These lines can be used in patients of all ages, but Ozarks Healthcare focuses solely on adult patients.

“We typically place them in patients who need longer-term medications or have frequent blood draws, chemotherapy—things like that,” said Hope Smith, supervisor of nursing administration. “They can stay in place for a couple of weeks or even months, depending on the physician's order. It's just a different way to help our patients receive the treatments they need.”

Because PICC lines require special training to place, Ozarks Healthcare invests heavily in developing internal expertise. Currently, the health system has four certified team members and four more undergoing training.

“We’ve been trying to build our numbers. I think it’s unusual for a hospital our size to have this many trained,” Smith said. “Our PICC line program began about 20 years ago, and we’re continuing to grow it to better serve our patients.”

Training takes place in phases, starting with an online course, followed by hands-on observation, and then independent placement of five lines under supervision. High skill is essential. According to the Mayo Clinic, complications from improperly placed or maintained PICC lines can include bleeding, nerve injury, irregular heartbeat, vein damage, blood clots, infection, or catheter failure.

Being PICC-trained is a lifesaving skill, but it also requires commitment. In addition to initial training, individuals must maintain credentials annually and complete at least two line placements every 12 months. Many team members juggle this responsibility alongside their regular duties.