Any ER RNs do infusion (IV team too)?

[AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

Hi all,

I am a former ER RN, quite in December secondary to feeling like my license was at high risk because of poor staffing an other problems.

Anyway I just accepted a per-diem job on an IV team in a medium sized hospital. My role with be PIV insertion, port access, PICC placement, dressing changes, and troubleshooting.

Have any other ER RNs switched to IV nursing, or do both? Any input? Are you happy doing IV nursing?

Thanks!

Annie

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

I am glad you found something! I have thought about seeking such a position too, at some point in my life. Hope you enjoy it.

[AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

Thank you Pixie, I will let you know how it goes.

I think I will like it because my patients will vary constantly throughout the day, which feeds into my short attention span!

Annie

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

I recently started in the ER, but even before I started there I was interested in IV therapy. I'm happy that where I work ER nurses have the opportunity to go the outpatient cancer infusion center to learn how to access ports. Maybe one day I'll work in IV therapy.

Good luck with your new job. I think you will really enjoy it.

[AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

Hi guys,

I love the new job! VERY LITTLE STRESS, like none at all really! Night and day between IV nursing and ER, which I am so done with... burnt to a crisp with the ER nursing!!

I still desire to learn more about patients, which I guess is good since we do have to look up their diagnosis and some other things just to be sure PIV is the right kind of access for them. I just enjoy floating around the hospital all day (Right now I am getting so lost, but improving), and just meeting a lot of different staff, patients, and family. It helps that the hospital is run REALLY well too, so staff morale is excellent.

I am doing it per-diem, which is what they have open for now, but I may like to do it part time at some point. My strong desire to care for pediatric patients in critical care still exists though, because I feel I really belong caring for the kids if I do nursing full time. I had a second interview for a PICU job, so another week or so and I should know where I stand there!

I highly recommend IV nursing though, it is really fantastic!

Annie

[JustaGypsy]

I once worked in a facility that had an IV team. That is my dream job. The IV nurses always offered help in any way they could during their down time. They were a great group of people.