Infusion nurse

[aphmac]

What kind of classes needed to be taken to become an infusion nurse? Phlebotomy? IV certification? What?

[libran1984, ASN, RN]

The infusion nurses I have worked with were required to get their Pharmacy Tech certification to allow them to properly mix the medications.

The RNs I worked with said they were shocked at first but after taking the certification courses realized how little they actually knew about properly mixing medication

[IVRUS, BSN, RN]

In a "Perfect World" all Infusion Nurses would be RN's with their CRNI (Certified Registered Nurse Infusion) certification. However, in the late 90's some LPN's went to obtain their CLNI certification which is the Certified Licensed Nurse Infusion, but due to the lack of interest by LPN's, INS dropped that program, but the certification for RN"S has existed since 1985. Therefore, Become an RN, then INS (Infusion Nurses Society) recommends 1600 hours of IV Therapy experience in the last two years and a proficiency in CVC management and care in order to "Sit" for this intensive exam. Can one become an Infusion Nurse and not have their CRNI, yes, but the aren't seen as "experts" in their field without it.

[aphmac]

I have my RN and BSN. As a matter of fact, I have been a nurse since 2006. I just wanted to know what route to take. Thanks so much.