[Esther2007]

In CT, CNAs cannot hang IV. I cannot see any state where a CNA would hang Potassium IV or even D5w.

[pagandeva2000]

We have the title Patient Care Associate, which requires both, the CNA and phlebotomy certification. Some CNAs used to be on the IV teams, but just to start the med-locks, NEVER to initiate IV medications. On the job training includes EKGs as well.

I would take advantage of the training. I was a PCA and because I already had a certificate and a boat load of experience in phlebotomy, it helped me as a nurse.

[shouldhavebeenanunRN]

To my knowledge as a recent RN Grad & RN. Some states allow specifically trained CNAs/LPNs, etc to insert IVs; but in the administration of IV therapies and maintenance and assessment of IV site/cares are sole responsibility of RN. Do I agree? Not for me to say. I am a RN and only ever inserted 1 IV, but I'd rather a specifically trained person insert them than someone like myself who only inserted 1 once. I am perfectly capable of managing IV meds/fluids, maintenance and care after the fact... so Yes, I'd say if QUALIFIED and ACCOUNTABLE LEGALLY.. THEN YES!

[pagandeva2000]

Originally Posted by shouldhavebeenanunRN

To my knowledge as a recent RN Grad & RN. Some states allow specifically trained CNAs/LPNs, etc to insert IVs; but in the administration of IV therapies and maintenance and assessment of IV site/cares are sole responsibility of RN. Do I agree? Not for me to say. I am a RN and only ever inserted 1 IV, but I'd rather a specifically trained person insert them than someone like myself who only inserted 1 once. I am perfectly capable of managing IV meds/fluids, maintenance and care after the fact... so Yes, I'd say if QUALIFIED and ACCOUNTABLE LEGALLY.. THEN YES!

That is the whole thing in a nutshell; if the RN is ultimately legally responsible for it, then, I would say no. We have had CNAs trained to initiate medlocks because they were specially trained and then were called IV techs. Eventually, (probably due to quality assurance), it phased out, and only LPNs and RNs were able to start IV lines.

[CandAmommy]

Thanks, I will take advantage of it. I know it is just to insert the IV and not anything to do with the medication.