In today's rapidly evolving health care landscape, nurses are not only caregivers – they are innovators, leaders and catalysts for change. At BD, we recognize the pivotal role nurses play in transforming vascular access services – the preparation, placement and maintenance of IV lines – and improving patient outcomes around the world.

Nurse-led models of care are driving measurable improvements in vascular access. These models aren’t just effective – they are essential. To ensure their long-term sustainability, we must invest in the systems, policies and leadership development that empower nurses to lead.

Why vascular access matters

Vascular access is a cornerstone of modern medical care. Nearly 90% of hospitalized patients require an IV catheter to deliver medications and fluids, yet up to half of these devices fail before completing therapy.¹ This statistic is not just a number – it is a call to action.

Nurses are uniquely positioned to address this challenge. Their clinical expertise, patient-centered approach and collaborative mindset make them ideal to lead vascular access services.

Empowering nurses through leadership and policy development

To scale and sustain nurse-led vascular access services, we must focus on five key areas:

• Supportive policy framework: Nurses need the scope and authority to lead and innovate. This includes dedicated budgets for vascular access teams, decision-making authority on technology investments and representation in hospital leadership and policy forums.
• Data-driven decision making: Robust data is essential to put vascular access on the policy agenda and demonstrate the value of nurse-led care. By tracking outcomes and complications, nurses can drive continuous improvement and inform evidence-based policy-making.
• Leadership development: Leadership training – project management, strategic planning and communication – ensures nurses are equipped to lead multidisciplinary teams and drive innovation.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration: Effective vascular access services rely on collaboration across disciplines. Fostering a culture of mutual respect and shared goals enhances care delivery and patient outcomes.
• Continuous professional growth: Ongoing education and training help nurses stay current with the latest technologies and best practices as healthcare evolves.

BD’s commitment to nursing leadership

At BD, we are proud to support nurse-led innovation and the advancement of vascular access services. Our commitment goes beyond technology – we help create environments where nurses can lead, collaborate and drive measurable improvements in care. This includes initiatives like the BD Foundation’s collaboration with the International Council of Nurses (ICN) in Latin America to strengthen nursing leadership and organizational development.

Global evidence reinforces the impact of this work. A recent study published in the Journal of the Association for Vascular Access found that vascular access teams – often led by specialized nurses – significantly improve patient satisfaction and clinical efficiency. These insights were further highlighted during a BD-hosted vascular access symposium at the ICN Congress in Helsinki, Finland, where clinicians, policymakers and thought leaders discussed the need for supportive policies.

“Nurses are the backbone of healthcare, and their expertise in vascular access is crucial for patient outcomes,” said Dr. Michelle Acorn, former Chief Nurse at ICN and symposium moderator. “We must continue to support and elevate their role.”

“Specialized vascular access teams are transforming patient care by reducing complications and enhancing clinical efficiency,” added Andrew Barton, nurse consultant for IV therapy and vascular access.

Despite the clear benefits, challenges remain. Symposium panelists emphasized that supportive policies are essential to sustain vascular access teams and fully recognize the critical contributions of nurses.

The future of nurse-led vascular access services

The future of healthcare depends on empowering nurses to lead. By investing in policy, data, leadership, collaboration and education, we can ensure nurse-led vascular access services continue to thrive – and that patients receive the safe, effective care they deserve.

To learn more about BD Vascular Access Management, visit bd.com/vam.

References

1. Helm, R. E., Klausner, J. D., Klemperer, J. D., Flint, L. M., & Huang, E. (2015). Accepted but unacceptable: Peripheral IV catheter failure. Journal of Infusion Nursing, 38(3), 189–203. https://doi.org/10.1097