Catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) occurring in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are common, complications related to them are potentially life-threatening and costly (Kim et Sandra, 2009). According to the Center for Disease Control, approximately two hundred and fifty thousand cases of CRBSI are estimated to occur each year, resulting in a health care cost of approximately twenty-five thousand dollars per case, and between 500 and 4 000 patients die because of blood circulation. (CDC, 2002). About 90 percent of bloodstream infections originate from the central venous insertion (CVC). Although CRBSI occurs in a variety of ways, the most common source is contamination of the catheter with skin flora during insertion, with skin flora contaminating the external catheter, tip, or both. In pediatric and neonatal ICUs, CRBSIs range from 3.8 to 11.3 per thousand catheter days and account for approximately 30% of all nosocomial infections (Kim & Sandra, 2009). These statistics make the prevention of central venous catheter-related bloodstream infections extremely important. Additionally, effective October 1, 2008, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services stopped reimbursing hospitals for conditions that have evidence-based prevention guidelines, including catheter-related bloodstream infections. Center for Medicaid & Medicare Services, (nd). to result in additional treatment and prolonged hospital stay. However, these vascular access devices are essential aspects of neonatal care for administering intravenous fluid and medications. Nurses perform much of the daily care of central venous catheters. Nurses therefore play an essential role in preventing bloodstream infections. As recommended by the CDC, modification of standard practice... middle of document...... retrieved October 15 from http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5110a1.htmCenter for Medicaid & Medicare service, (nd). Hospital-Acquired Condition (Present on Admission Indicator). Retrieved October 23 from http://www.cms.gov/HospitalAcqCond/01_Overview.asp#TopOfPageInstitute of Health Care Improvement, (2010). Implement the Central Line Bundle. Retrieved October 14 from http://www.ihi.org/IHI/Topics/CriticalCare/Intensive Care/Changes/ImplementtheCentralLineBundle.htmKim, C. and Sandra, G. (2009). Minimizing catheter-related bloodstream infections: the single-unit approach. Advances in neonatal care. 9(5): 209-226Access: 00149525-200910000-00008Melnyk, B. & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2004). Evidence-based practice in nursing and health care: a guide to best practices. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.