Innovative approaches to teaching vascular access to nursing students in the COVID-19 era

Purpose: For the student nurse, peripheral venous cannulation is one of most stressful skills to be learned. Although some healthcare employers/establishments offer courses on vascular access and infusion nursing as part their onboarding programs, ultimately educational institutions should share responsibility ensure that graduating nurses can provide safe therapies. Methods: An innovative (VAIN) curriculum was created mapped onto entry-to-practice undergraduate program at McGill University in Montréal, Québec, Canada. This presented an opportunity implement new teaching approaches. Results: Students experienced multiple approaches including multimedia experiential learning live simulation acquisition knowledge psychomotor skills. The had rapidly modified with advent COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: VAIN emphasizes directed practice, seeking increase competence, confidence, knowledge. pandemic underscored need for flexibility creativity content delivery.