What is an Infusion Nurse & How to become Certified Infusion Nurse

What is an Infusion Nurse?

Intravenous therapy (IV therapy) involves the insertion and maintenance of vascular access devices such as peripheral IV catheters and administration of intravenous medications. IV therapy procedures are done by registered nurses (RNs). As permitted by the state nurse practice act, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) may also perform certain IV therapy tasks as delegated by an RN or licensed independent practitioner.

An infusion nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in infusion therapy procedures.  Infusion nurses insert peripheral IV catheters, midline catheter insertion, peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC), prevent, recognize and manage peripheral and central venous catheter and infusion therapy-related complications. Infusion nurse must have knowledge of pharmacology, fluids and electrolytes, infection prevention and administration of diverse types of infusion therapies including blood, blood products, biologics, cytotoxic medications and total Parenteral nutrition (TPN). An infusion nurse is a resource for the clinical staff.

How to become a certified infusion nurse?

A Certified Registered Nurse Infusion (CRNI®) is a registered nurse who is an expert infusion nurse. CRNI exam is available through the infusion nurses society (INS). RNs with a minimum of 1,600 hours of experience in infusion therapy within the past two years may apply for the CRNI exam. The exam’s 150 questions are based on technology and Clinical Applications, Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Infection Prevention and Control, pharmacology, Special Populations, Transfusion Therapy, Antineoplastic and Biologic Therapy, Parenteral Nutrition.

About Our IV Therapy Training Classes for Nurses

Nurse practice act (NPA) is the law that delineates the legal scope of practice of nurses. Nurse practice acts vary state by state. During IV infusion therapy, RNs, LPNs and LVNs must comply with the rules and regulations of the board of nursing. Some states have specific guidelines for infusion therapy education, training and competency validation called as IV Therapy Certification for LPNs. Most jurisdictions allow “IV Certified” LPNs to insert and infuse through short peripheral catheters, but not through a central vascular catheter / central line.

If you need to review your scope of practice, visit your Board of Nursing website. Also, https://www.ncsbn.org/npa.htm  will direct you to the state board of nursing website where you can locate the NPA via the State Statute or code.  The rules/regulations are found in the sections or chapters of the state administrative code.

This 2-day IV therapy training program teaches to insert, use, maintain and manage short peripheral IV catheters. RNs and LPNs with little or no experience in IV infusion therapy should attend this hands-on IV infusion therapy training. This meets the mandate set forth by most state boards of nursing for intravenous therapy certification for LPNs and LVNs.

Who should attend the IV Therapy Certificate Program?

• Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses requiring “IV infusion therapy certification”
• Registered nurses (RNs) with little or no experience in intravenous therapy
• New graduates before or after taking the national council licensing (NCLX) examination and preparing to enter the nursing practice
• Nursing students starting clinicals