How To Change Hickman Line Dressing -- Part 1

SheWhoFeels's webcam video Feb 01, 2011, 06:48 AM: This video is part one of a three-part tutorial on practicing sterile technique and cleaning Hickman line insertion site when changing dressing. Line anchor techniques shared as well.

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Education

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• SheWhoFeels
• *Hickman
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• *Dressing
• Change*
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• protectant*
• anchoring
• Hickman
• *Sterile
• Technique*
• central
• venous
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[SheWhoFeels]

@Nerflover10097: I have a lot of medical issues but in short, I got a bad virus that damaged my heart and digestive system. I have the line for nausea meds and for nutrition when I need it. Be well, sweetie! <3

[JessJ42o]

I just wanted to say how much we have in common.... I finally feel like I'm not the only one :) I have had 7 picc lines and 4 groshong catheters since I was 20. In those 4 years I have also been on fentanyl 100mcg which I'm currently lowering the dose. I also change my own dressings, and my particular line doesn't have to be sterile! I just wear a bandaid! As someone who's had issues with the tape and sensitivity to those dressings, if you end up needing a new line, look into groshongs.

[SheWhoFeels]

@JessJ42o: I am so glad you posted! YAY for having tons in common! I'm excited to talk with you more!

RE: line type: Groshongs have more long-term complications because of the valve, so Hickmans are my docs' preference. I know some people don't keep their insertion site sterile after the line grafts but it's uncomfortable for me & I've had infection before. How do you anchor your line? Is yours subclavian also? I have to check out your Channel & see if you've shared more of your Journey! <3<3<3

[SheWhoFeels]

@emptycompleteness:

Nawww well it's important to be safe. It is really easy to get insertion site infection if you contaminate the site, so I am VEEEEEERRRRRYYYYYYYY careful/thorough. Sepsis is bad, MMKAY? (Mr. Mackey voice! LOL!)

I think all current clinical protocols say to change dressings a minimum of once a week. If the dressing gets wet or loose, though for any reason, it should be changed immediately. It looks scary and hard, but you get used to doing it, it's not so scary and new.

[Nerflover10097]

what condition/sickness do you have?

[emptycompleteness]

wow, you really do practically have to be a nurse to care for your line! how often do you have to change it?