IV Certification and Training for Nurses
IV certified nurses are trained to safely administer specialized care to patients using intravenous methods. Learn about the IV certification options that are available to professional nurses and what training entails.
What is IV Certification?
IV certification is an option for new or current nurses who want to learn more about the proper way to administer an IV to a patient. Recertification options are available and usually involve continuing education credits or successfully passing an examination. Admission standards vary from program to program, so be certain to check each program before enrolling.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Recertification</b></td><td> Continuing education credits or passing an exam</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Certification Providers</b></td><td> National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses, California Board of Practical Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians and the Certified Venous Access Specialist Association</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Certification Purpose</b></td><td> Refreshes knowledge on administering an IV</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Topics Covered</b></td><td> Equipment use and maintenance, blood handling and collection, patient care and the circulatory system</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td> $75,330 (<i>for all registered nurses</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 7% growth (<i>for all registered nurses</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhoConfersCertification">Who Confers Certification?</h3><p>Certification is conferred by various organizations. If you're a practical nurse, as opposed to a registered nurse, you can obtain certification through the National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses (NFLPN). You'll receive a CD from which you'll study and then take an exam. Certification by the NFLPN is valid for two years.
</p><p>Various states also have their own certifications. California, for example, confers certification through the California Board of Practical Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT), and you can take courses that will prepare you for their certification through a number of colleges, private healthcare education companies, healthcare alliances and training centers. Some individuals, such as registered nurses, also provide training. You can also become certified by the BVNPT by having a registered nurse or physician provide the organization with verification of your competency in this area.
</p><p>Other individual organizations exist which provide their own certification. The Certified Venous Access Specialist Association confers IV certification through a 3-hour exam for individuals who have already received training and need only the certification. This organization is affiliated with the North American Association of Phlebotomy Technicians, which accredits programs and is a continuing education agency.
</p><h3 id="section---DoINeedToBecomeCertified">Do I Need To Become Certified?</h3><p>A certification program can instruct you on the proper way to administer an IV or freshen skills that may have been lost to you after years of extensive schooling. An IV certification educational program or refresher course can help lower your error rate and can also help you perfect the process.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatWillILearn">What Will I Learn?</h3><p>Certification classes will teach you how to start an IV on a patient and may also require that you demonstrate your skills in a clinical setting. Some of the skills you may learn in a certification program include equipment usage and maintenance, blood handling and collection, the basics of the circulatory system and patient care. You may also learn how to work with pediatric IVs. Obtaining IV certification can show to your employer and your patients that you are committed to safety and knowledge about intravenous therapy.</p>