Continuing Education - Acute Care        

1. Central Venous Access Devices

This in-service is a three part series that can be presented in three one-hour programs or as a three-hour workshop.

• Part I: PICC Lines

PICC lines are becoming more common in acute care settings, as well as in outpatient settings, for long-term therapy. This in-service will review the purpose of a PICC line and how to safely manage and maintain a PICC line through the entire course of treatment. Hands-on practice is available with "Chester Chest."

• Part II: Implanted Devices

Many individuals in need of long term IV therapy are choosing the implanted device. This in-service will review what an implanted device is and how it is used. Complications and site care are also reviewed. Participants will have hands-on practice with "Chester Chest."

• Part III: A Review

With all the different types of venous access devices available today, there is a great deal of confusion about when to use what type. In this review, the PICCs and implanted ports are covered as well as the difference between a tunneled and a non-tunneled centrally placed central catheter.

 2. Stroke and the Complexity of PVD

The three types of stroke are explained and the risk factors for each are described. Also, the risk factors and treatment options are reviewed for Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) and a correlation between PVD and a stroke are shared.

The program is delivered in a format that follows a stroke victim from the onset of symptoms through the rehabilitation process. The information that will be shared includes the current interventions available as well as what diagnostic criteria are utilized during an acute stroke episode.
 

 3. Bioterrorism

The United States, as well as many countries in the world, has been preparing for the threat of biological weapons, especially since September 11, 2001 and the Anthrax scares in October 2001. The Department of Homeland Security and individual states’ Departments of Health are working together to ensure the safety of the people.

Bioterrorism, a one-hour in-service, will explain Anthrax and Smallpox, two of the potential biological agents for weapons of mass destruction. The information provided will include definitions of each illness and the disease characteristics, contraction and transmission mode, as well as the vaccination procedures and statistics.

In the event of an outbreak, the Department of Health and each healthcare facility has a procedure to follow. Information on this procedure will be provided as well as the role the healthcare facility has in the statewide plan.

 4. Emergency Cardiovascular Drugs

In this one-hour program, participants will discuss the variety of medications used during Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). Participants will learn to recognize the ACLS algorithms and the proposed treatment of the arrhythmias. The instructor also covers which medication is first line and which medication should be used in treatment failures. Finally, the instructor will discuss the potential adverse effects that require monitoring with the administration of a medication used in ACLS.

 5. Dangerous Drugs in Our Own Backyard

This 90-minute in-service would be excellent for Emergency Room staff in acute care facilities. Information on the dangerous use of jimson weed, inhalants, and Ritalin® is covered in this program. Signs and symptoms of use, treatment options, and prevention steps are all presented.