What is a Certified IV Nurse?
A certified IV nurse is a nurse that has earned special certification to provide intravenous injections or transfusions. Read on to find out how to become a certified IV nurse.
Career Defined
Intravenous (IV) transfusion is a direct method for injecting fluids, such as blood, electrolytes, and medication into a person's bloodstream. In many states, RNs have the authority to start intravenous therapies, but LPNs/LVNs do not. If you are an LPN/LVN and you want to expand your scope of practice to include starting and maintaining IV therapy, then you may need to become certified by your state board of nursing. There are also professional organizations that offer certifications to RNs and LPN/LVNs.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutOccupationsRelatedToIVNursing">Important Facts About Occupations Related To IV Nursing</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><th> </th><th> Registered Nurse </th><th> Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse</th></tr>
<tr><td> Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $77,600 </td><td> $48,070</td></tr>
<tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031) </td><td> 6% growth </td><td> 6% growth</td></tr>
<tr><td> Similar Occupations </td><td> Dental Hygienist, Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner </td><td> Surgical Technologist, Nursing Assistant, Psychiatric Technician</td></tr>
<tr><td> Key Skills </td><td> Compassion, detail oriented, and critical thinking skills </td><td> Patience, interpersonal, and speaking skills</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---EducationPrograms">Education Programs</h3><p>Community colleges and nursing schools offer IV certification programs. Many programs require that you are an LPN/LVN before enrolling. Some coursework for IV certification programs can be completed online. IV education and training courses cover topics in:
</p><ul><li>Anatomy and physiology
</li><li>IV solution preparation
</li><li>Venipuncture and vein selection techniques
</li><li>Peripheral and central IV therapy
</li><li>Infection control
</li><li>Medical law and ethics
</li></ul><h3 id="section---CertificationOptions">Certification Options</h3><p>If you are an LPN/LVN and you want to administer IV therapy, you need to check with your state board of nursing to determine whether certification is required. If so, you need to meet the education, training, and experience requirements. In some states, you must pass an examination for board certification. In other states, you may only be required to take a course in IV therapy.
</p><p>There are state boards of nursing that accept professional certifications, like the National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses, which offers an IV therapy certification. To earn this credential, you need to complete a training course and pass an exam (<i>www.nflpn.org</i>). The National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service, Inc. also offers a professional certification in IV therapy for LPNs/LVNs (<i>www.napnes.org</i>).
</p><p>If you are an RN with experience in IV infusion therapy, you can earn the Certified Registered Nurse Infusion (CRNI) designation. The CNRI credential is offered by the Infusion Nurses Certification Corporation and is designed to validate a current RNs experience in IV therapy (<i>www.incc1.org</i>).</p>