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!

[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, LPN]

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.

[Archetype73]

I have worked as just an ER Tech and started literally THOUSANDS of IV and Blood Draws.......It depends on the Training in your Hospital, the Individual.......Alot of excellent individuals without any degrees working in alot of ER's across the country could actually be on IV Start Teams in my opinion.......But having certification is also a good thing....

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

The last 3 hospitals I've worked at have allowed the techs to start IV's and do phlebotomy. Even if your facility doesn't it's a great skill to have.,