Implications of Evidence-Based Venipuncture Practice in a Pediatric Health Care Magnet Facility

Venipunctures are very distressing for children. Nurses who routinely perform venipuncture procedures report an interest in becoming proficient in this skill. This procedure includes monitoring for potential adverse outcomes and providing age-appropriate coping strategies. These interventions make this necessary experience more positive. This study evaluated whether the completion of an evidence-based online tutorial program improved knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported venipuncture practices. Pre- and post-intervention self-assessment data were obtained from 426 nurses who provide direct patient care in medical-surgical units and clinics at a pediatric Magnet hospital. Analyses of these data determined that nurses improved their ability to grade intravenous infiltrates (t = 155.78, df = 1, p = .000) and phlebitis (t = 172.14, df = 1, p = .000). These results showed that an online training program increases knowledge and practices regarding venipuncture. J Contin Educ Nurs 2010;41(4):179-185.