Can CNA's administer IVs...

[CandAmommy]

With proper certification of course? There is a workshop here for IV and phlebotomy certification that I am considering. If you have those (the certifications), can a CNA do them? Would they be considered a tech than? Thanks!

[Noryn]

I have never heard of a CNA having anything to do with starting an IV. A phlebotomist can draw blood but they would not work as a "CNA" while doing so, they would work as a phelbotomist.

[CandAmommy]

It was just a question. Their prerequisites are CNA for the IV class that is why I was asking.

[hypocaffeinemia, BSN, RN]

The Texas Nurse Practice Act is intentionally vague when it comes to delegation. Technically, if facility policy allows it and the Registered Nurse feels that the unlicensed personnel is competent and adequately trained, they may delegate IV starts and blood draws. In reality, very few facilities allow unlicensed personnel other than EMTs (unlicensed in the scope of the facility) to initiate IV access.

Your state may vary.

[CandAmommy]

Thank you. I was just told that there would be more work opportunity by getting the phlebotomy certification as well. I was just curious about the IV certification.

[XB9S, BSN, MSN, EdD, RN, APN]

This is is a discussion I have been having with my colleagues here in the UK, there are some areas that train and allow the unqualifieds to insert IV cannulas and then flush to check patency. It is something that I have resisted within my work area because it concerns me the amount of invasive tasks we are willing to delegate to our unqualified staff.

My rationale for it being a qualified person is that when I am asked to resite an IV I assess the patient for the rationale for the IV, are they on IV meds / fluids that could potentially stop or convert to oral, are they post op and maybe need more fluids. THis is not something that an unqualified would do.

We are yet to have guidence from our hospital and until we do I will continue to resist the delegation of this task.

Just my opinion

[NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN]

I've never heard about that....In California I don't see that ever happening...But they can give enemas here in California...I know because I've done it....

[imafostermom]

Candamommy, are phleboomy and IV therapy taught together where you live. I was under the impression that phlebotomy was blood draws only but I could be wrong.

[CandAmommy]

No, they are two seperate classes, just offered by the same place.

[MaryAnn_RN]

This is is a discussion I have been having with my colleagues here in the UK, there are some areas that train and allow the unqualifieds to insert IV cannulas and then flush to check patency. It is something that I have resisted within my work area because it concerns me the amount of invasive tasks we are willing to delegate to our unqualified staff.

My rationale for it being a qualified person is that when I am asked to resite an IV I assess the patient for the rationale for the IV, are they on IV meds / fluids that could potentially stop or convert to oral, are they post op and maybe need more fluids. THis is not something that an unqualified would do.

We are yet to have guidence from our hospital and until we do I will continue to resist the delegation of this task.

Just my opinion

I'm with you on that, Sharrie.

[Esther2007]

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

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

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.