Infusion
Nursing Notes
By Nufactor

Infusion Nursing Notes by Nufactor provides education, resources and support to promote successful patient therapy within the infusion nursing community.

Nufactor Updated Mask Recommendation

Right before the federal government ended the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency on May 11, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated their recommendations for healthcare personnel on May 8. The updates, applicable to all U.S. settings where healthcare is delivered, were made to reflect the high levels of vaccine-and infection-induced immunity and the availability of effective treatments and prevention tools. The guidance provides a framework to implement select infection prevention and control practices based on individual circumstances (e.g., levels of respiratory virus transmission in the community). [More]

How to Use the IG Side Effects Card

Prior to an infusion visit, we ask nurses to contact patients 12 -24 hours before and complete our Pre-Infusion Checklist (IVIG Pre-Infusion Checklist / SCIG Pre-Infusion Checklist). Nufactor developed the checklist to help the nurse and patient plan for a successful infusion. The list is a great tool and helps nurses guide their patients using a standardized check-off format. The list provides tips to give to the patient the day prior to, the day of, and the day after an infusion. [More]

Dos and Don’ts of Patient Education

One of the most anxiety-producing aspects of life is “fear of the unknown.” This is particularly true in healthcare. From relatively benign medical conditions to devastatingly critical or life-threatening illnesses, the statement “knowledge is power” should not be underestimated when developing patient treatment plans; it can be a powerful tool in establishing the levelheadedness needed for a patient to manage their illness. Patient education is often as simple as explaining a laboratory test or a minor dietary change. As nurses, we may impart knowledge in a casual or off-the-cuff manner when discussing medical issues that have become routine for us, yet not for the patient. Patient education processes are oftentimes not formalized, particularly in some private physician offices. When programs do exist, time constraints in an office setting can make it almost impossible to share crucial information from their educational programs with each and every patient. [More]

Troubleshooting Implanted Ports

As a health care provider in the home setting, coming across various types of venous access devices is expected. Access devices can vary from peripherally inserted catheters for short-term or intermittently administered therapies, such as IVIG or infliximab, to centrally placed devices for long-term use, especially if there are venous access problems. A physician and patient should discuss and decide on the most appropriate venous access device while considering the duration of therapy, lifestyle, and history of venous access issues. Nurses are expected to maintain various types of central venous access devices (CVADs), such as peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), central venous catheters (CVCs) such as Hickman™ and Broviac™ catheters, and implanted ports. Patients may already have a CVAD when admitted for home infusion therapy services or require placement after admission if they have poor or inaccessible venous access and the need for long-term therapy. This blog will focus on handling and troubleshooting ports. [More]

Gratitude

Let’s start by taking a couple of deep breaths, inhale through your nose and slowly exhale out through your mouth (smell the flowers and blow out the candles is how I like to say it). Starting your day with a few minutes of prayer or meditation helps you to be intentional. Let’s begin! [More]