Eloise Borello is a Vascular Access Specialist Clinical Nurse Consultant at the RCH.

Thanks to the Good Friday Appeal, patients will soon have an expert team of specialist nurses providing support with the insertion of peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs). Eloise is one of these nurses.

We spoke to Eloise to find out more about a day in her life at the hospital.

Hi Eloise! Tell us about yourself and your work at the RCH.

Hello! I have been working in the Quality and Improvement team as the Clinical Nurse Consultant for Vascular Access (IV lines) since 2017. Before this I worked in the oncology ward, where I learnt a lot about the importance of vascular access for children undergoing cancer treatment. During this time, I saw the distress patients and families went through when they had a bad experience or complication with their IV line. This experience also allowed me to learn from Child Life Therapists and Comfort First clinicians who are experts in paediatric medical procedures. It taught me about the importance of preparing the patient and family as well as looking for the magic in Possum Magic when comforting a child during a procedure.

It was through witnessing these experiences and listening to patients and families that I become passionate about preventing harm associated with all types of IV lines.

My current role brings together expertise from all areas of the hospital to provide leadership for vascular access care at RCH.  I also visit patients in the hospital when they are having problems with their lines, and this interaction is my favourite part of the job. 

Can you explain the current challenges of vascular access?

The most common type of IV line is called a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) and the current model of care is to have a variety of clinicians inserting these devices. When clinicians are learning to insert PIVCs, they usually have very little support at the bedside as expert clinicians are not widely available. Unfortunately, this means that children will experience multiple insertion attempts before the PIVC is placed and patients may also experience complications.

How do you see the VAST team and this funding making a difference for our patients?

We have been working with colleagues from across Australia and internationally to learn about how we can improve the experience for children who require PIVCs. We have learnt that the best way to do this is by developing an expert team of nurses who are highly skilled at PIVC insertion, who will use the most advanced technologies and the best practice comfort techniques. We are so grateful for this funding as we know the VAST will significantly improve the experience for children at RCH and beyond.

What three things would you take to a desert island and why?

1. I would take seeds to grow crops as well as some to plant some flowers. I’d want to jazz the place up a bit and have something to do!
2. A water purifier (for me and the flowers)
3. A harmonica. I have absolutely no idea how to play it but it’s probably a good time to learn!