What does an Infusion Nurse do?
Published 3 min read
An infusion nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in the administration of medications and other treatments through the use of intravenous (IV) therapy. Infusion nurses work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, home health care agencies, and infusion centers. They are responsible for the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of IV therapy services for patients of all ages.
Infusion Nurse job duties include:
- Administering intravenous medications and other treatments to patients
- Monitoring patients for reactions to medications
- Changing IV catheters and dressings
- Drawing blood samples
- Educating patients and families about infusion therapy
- Operating pumps and other infusion equipment
- Documenting patient care in medical records
- Ordering supplies and medications
- Supervising infusion therapy staff
Infusion Nurse Job Requirements
An Infusion Nurse is a Registered Nurse who has specialized in the administration of medications and other treatments through intravenous, or IV, therapy. In order to become an Infusion Nurse, one must first obtain a degree in nursing from an accredited institution and then pass the National Council Licensure Examination, or NCLEX-RN. After becoming a licensed Registered Nurse, Infusion Nurses must complete a certification program specific to IV therapy administration, such as the Certification for Infusion Nursing offered by the Infusion Nurses Society. Some employers may require Infusion Nurses to have at least one year of experience working in a hospital setting before being hired.
Infusion Nurse Skills
- IV insertion
- Starting IVs
- Blood draw
- Phlebotomy
- Lab work
- Patient care
- Customer service
- Teamwork
- Multitasking
- Time management
- Critical thinking
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How to become an Infusion Nurse
An infusion nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in the administration of medications and other treatments through the use of intravenous (IV) therapy. Infusion nurses work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, home health care agencies, and infusion centers. They may also provide IV therapy services at special events, such as sporting events or concerts.
To become an infusion nurse, one must first complete a registered nursing program and obtain a license to practice nursing in their state. Once licensed, nurses can then pursue certification in IV therapy through organizations such as the Infusion Nurses Society or American Nurses Credentialing Center. Certification is not required to practice infusion nursing, but it may give nurses an advantage when seeking employment or advancing their career.
Infusion nurses must have strong clinical skills and knowledge in order to safely and effectively administer IV therapies. They must also be able to educate patients and their families about their treatment plan and provide support throughout the course of therapy. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential in this role, as is the ability to stay calm under pressure.
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