ACVNU study plan
ACVNU · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 6 hours per week
Patient Assessment and Monitoring
Define the components of a structured pre-procedure vascular access assessment and list the findings that change device selection
Differentiate indication, contraindication, and precaution for peripheral, midline, and central catheters
Build a one-page assessment checklist covering skin, vessel, and patient factors
Your checkpoint
Completed one-page pre-procedure assessment checklist with at least 12 items and a rationale note for each
Patient Assessment and Monitoring & Vascular Access and Catheter Management
Explain how catheter-to-vein ratio and tip location are determined and why each matters
Compare dwell-time and monitoring requirements across peripheral, midline, and central devices
Practice mapping assessment findings to a device recommendation for 10 written scenarios
Your checkpoint
Scenario log of 10 cases with device recommendation and supporting assessment rationale for each
Vascular Access and Catheter Management
Sequence the steps of ultrasound-guided peripheral and central catheter insertion from preparation through dressing
Distinguish sterile from clean technique and identify which steps cannot be delegated or skipped
Describe securement, dressing, and flushing/locking practice for each device class
Your checkpoint
Written step-by-step insertion procedure for two device types, each with a labeled critical-safety step list
Ultrasound Guidance and Imaging Interpretation
Identify vessel versus non-vessel structures on still ultrasound images using echogenicity, compressibility, and pulsatility
Explain the relationship between probe orientation, screen orientation, and needle-tip location
Describe in-plane versus out-of-plane approaches and the tradeoffs of each
Your checkpoint
Annotated image set of at least 8 ultrasound stills labeling vessel, nerve, muscle, fascia, and needle tip
Vascular Anatomy and Physiology
Map the venous anatomy of the upper extremity and neck from superficial to deep, including typical caliber and depth relationships
Trace the path from peripheral vein to superior vena cava and identify the anatomic landmarks used to confirm tip position
Explain how vessel depth, diameter, and valve location influence site selection
Your checkpoint
Hand-drawn or digital anatomy map with at least 15 labeled structures and a written note on insertion implications for each
Complications, Prevention, and Management
Classify insertion-related, maintenance-related, and delayed complications by mechanism and timing
Outline recognition and immediate response steps for infiltration, extravasation, occlusion, and suspected thrombosis
Identify prevention strategies tied to each complication category
Your checkpoint
Complication matrix covering at least 10 complications with mechanism, signs, immediate action, and prevention column
Infection Control and Patient Safety & Professional Practice, Documentation, and Ethics
Summarize the evidence-based bundle elements for preventing catheter-related bloodstream infection and the rationale for each
Apply documentation standards to a written procedure note, including required elements and defensible phrasing
Resolve two written ethical scenarios involving consent, capacity, or scope of practice using a stated decision framework
Your checkpoint
One complete sample procedure note plus two written ethics responses, each under 300 words
Patient Assessment and Monitoring & Vascular Access and Catheter Management & Ultrasound Guidance and Imaging Interpretation & Vascular Anatomy and Physiology & Complications, Prevention, and Management & Infection Control and Patient Safety & Professional Practice, Documentation, and Ethics
Re-audit all prior deliverables and correct any gaps flagged against domain weights
Complete a timed mixed-domain self-assessment and score each domain separately
Build a targeted review list limited to the two lowest-scoring domains
Your checkpoint
Scored self-assessment report with per-domain percentages and a one-page remediation plan
Milestones
Week 2: Assessment checklist and 10-scenario log complete; can justify device choice for all 10 cases without notes
Week 4: Insertion procedures written and ultrasound stills annotated; can explain in-plane versus out-of-plane tradeoffs aloud
Week 6: Anatomy map and complication matrix complete; can state immediate action for any listed complication in under 30 seconds
Week 8: Self-assessment scored by domain; remediation plan names only the two weakest domains with concrete next actions