[JenM]

I wasn't sure where to post this question, because I am a student, not an instructor, but I have a question.

I was searching this forum and noticed that most of your students give IV meds in their first year. I was shocked! Because at the program that I am in (I just finished my first year; its ADN)we don't pass IV meds until our last semester. In fact we don't even learn about IV's until then and we are NOT allowed to start an IV in the program EVER. Does where you live or what type of ins. the school has, affect the type of experiences that we as students can have? Are we the only school out there like this?

I just think that IV's are a huge part of nursing and that it is something that we should have learned from the beginning. We can give all other meds, just not IV. We cannot even document on the patency of an IV either.

Thank you for your time!!! All feedback is appreciated!

[iteachob]

I'm a nursing professor at an ADN program in KY. Our students begin to start IV's and give IV meds in thier 2nd semester of the program. Specifically, I'm the OB professor. My students do not hang or adjust rates on pitocin or magnesium sulfate, but everything else is allowed; mostly IVPB antibiotics, put also some narcotic pushes. They also do blood transfusion when needed. ALL IV procedures, from start to finish are done under the supervision of myself or another licensed (staff) RN. Students are never allowed to give anything IV without supervision. Clinical instructors at our school of nursing work hard to make sure students get as much in-school experience at IV procedures.

I guess it does mostly depend on what school you go to. I really can't understand why you wouldn't be allowed to assess and document the patency of a line! As with most (oddball) policies at nursing schools, there is probably a story behind that rule.

I should add that all our instructors and students are required to carry professional liability insurance.

[LiveToLearn]

Our students may start IVs after they have been checked off on that skill in the lab. They may do IV push, etc, with an instructor or RN staff member present. Due to state law, they may not have any part in blood transfusions, as only a licensed RN may initiate one here (an LPN may monitor during and dc the transfusion). Hope this helps.

[NurseKatie08]

We didn't start IV's at all at my BSN program. We were allowed to do IV push & I also pushed through a PICC during my Critical Care clinical.