Nurses have the free-will to specialize in their desired health care based skills, interests and job opportunities. Their field of specialization is often determined by outstanding health care communication abilities in different age groups like children, elderly or in technical areas such as cardiac care and surgical care. If a nurse shows exceptional capacity in intravenous procedures, she may opt to become an IV nurse.
What is an IV nurse?
An intravenous nurse or IV nurse is a healthcare professional who takes care of patients in great need for intravenous therapy. A nurse with this specific title may care for patients needing intravenous medication and blood transfusion for the various treatments. An IV nurse also provides care for patients receiving nutritional therapies and patients that undergo investigational drug therapies. Likewise, intravenous nurses may care for patients who are receiving antibiotics for infection treatments and IV fluids for dehydration.
Duties of an IV Nurse
- IV therapy nurses are responsible in overseeing the patient’s pain management drugs. They also provide health education to patient’s significant others (S.O), documentation and research.
- One of the most common duties performed by IV nurse is arterial and venous punctures. They have the ability to insert and remove IV lines at different locations of the body.
- IV nurses check IV apparatus from time to time so that patent IV tubing is well-maintained. If the IV site is disturbed, they find a new venous site and perform dressing on the intravascular site.
- IV nurses should monitor IV lines and correct inefficiencies or obstruction in the IV tubing. They also monitor for presence of infections on the site and performs thorough assessment on patients during health treatments and initiate some emergency therapies when necessary.
- IV nurses should put the patient at ease and explain the nursing procedure well using common language. They review the protocols of the patient’s attending physician on the chart especially about the drug dosage and drug administration.
- IV nurses also provide feedback on the IV machine’s performance.
- They have the ability to train new staff nurses on the IV procedure and educate them on how to manage specific problems with the IV equipments and flow of fluids.
Condition of Work
- IV therapy nurses work practically in various areas in health care spectrum. They are mostly found in alternate health care settings like chemotherapy clinics in outpatient department, ambulatory infusion facilities and also at patient’s home itself.
- There is an increase demand for IV nurses in home health care units. New technologies, equipments and drugs have allowed IV nurses for complex health treatments and interventions that are provided in a home environment.
Skills and Specifications
- An IV nurse needs to be patient, compassionate and have harmonious communication skills
- They should be familiar about the basic nursing care procedures.
- They must be well-organized and has the ability to supervise a team of nurses.
- They should remain calm and be able to handle stress well.
Educational Requirements and Qualifications
In order to become an IV nurse, one should first accomplish a bachelor’s degree in any accredited nursing schools and should also pass the state board exam to become a RN or registered nurse.
Occupation and Progress
Most of intravenous nurses work in large health care facilities, health homes and hospitals. There has been a steady increase in the demand of IV nurses in health care industry as intravenous fluid solution is initially performed once the patient is admitted in the hospital. A profession as an IV nurse also offers great job security, job satisfaction and fast employment rate.