Re: IV Therapy Certification Classes?
I did mine through one of those places that does CPR and education CEU'S. Check with your education dept or call your outpatient IV therapy dept and ask them. I have been a nurse 20 years and when moved here had no IV skills. I asked the advice of my nurse friends and had them give me tips. I am very proficient now and really honed the skill working pre-op room. We had to start 18g on everyone and we have a lot of elderly here . I wanted the certification as I thought it would be beneficial.
The course wasn't beneficial to me. The instructor bungled by misidentifying a couple of lines. Her lines were older models and she wasn't really sure of a couple of lines. We did a "live "stick on a mannequin arm. I felt so bad for 2 lpn's doing the class. She gave them a hard time during the procedure and wasnt really giving direct supervision. 1 poor girl ended up with the red food coloring squirting all over her blouse.When i left the 2 lpn's were still there. I got 30 ceu's and a certificate for what it is worth on paper. It wasnt that beneficial. I suggest pairing up with someone who is proficient or if your hosp has IV team going with them for a few hours. Or call outpatient IV therapy and ask if you can come over and watch. Lastly I hate to say this ...sometimes the newer nurses do their first insertions on patients that are kinda older...a little out of it....sorry. Once you know the technique and learn tips from the experienced nurses its practice ,practice and more practice. You will get it.
good luck
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