Clinical Nurse Specialist degree in Vascular Access

Specialties Infusion

Published

I am a CRNI with six years experience placing PICCs, caring for all kinds of CVLs, and placing difficult to place PIVs. I love this field of nursing so much. Can anyone recommend a program that offers a Clinical Nurse Specialist degree in Vascular Access? THX!

Specializes in Vascular Access.
Hi, can someone please explain what CRNI is? I'm a baby nurse hehehe.

Well, CRNI stand for Certified Registered Nurse Infusion. It is a certification which denotes that the holder has excellance in infusion therapy. It's recommended that the person wishing to become one, have approx. 1600 hours of IV therapy experience in the last two years and be able to show a proficiency in CVC management and care.

Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Nurse Consulting.

So how does one aquire this 1600 hrs of IV experience an do you need proof? I mean I've been working for a year and starting IV's and running infusions among other nursing duties on a med surg floor and LTC, is that enough?

Specializes in Vascular Access.
So how does one aquire this 1600 hrs of IV experience an do you need proof? I mean I've been working for a year and starting IV's and running infusions among other nursing duties on a med surg floor and LTC, is that enough?

Well, they (INS) used to require proof from your employer, however, that has changed. Go to www.INS1.org to find out if a testing site is near you. I'd advise you to buy the CD's and "pour" over them to understand the gravity of what is needed to pass this exam. It''s doable, but again, you need to be well-versed on Infusion Therapy. When I took it years ago, My best friend also took it with me. She had been a nurse 15 years, and thought she understood what it took to pass the test, however, she failed it. And to date, hasn't tried again.

If IV therapy is a love and passion for you, I'd start with the tapes, and then when ready, sit for the exam.

Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Nurse Consulting.
Well, CRNI stand for Certified Registered Nurse Infusion. It is a certification which denotes that the holder has excellance in infusion therapy. It's recommended that the person wishing to become one, have approx. 1600 hours of IV therapy experience in the last two years and be able to show a proficiency in CVC management and care.

Thanks! Will do. :D

hi stacey , hope everything is well with you .. im taking crni on dec schedule and i feel like it s so overwhelming for me .. read about your notes and im sure its gonna be a big help for me .. heres my email . [email protected] .. may i ask to share your notes to me .. ty very much. fidel.

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