Can non-licensed person start an IV?

[carol72]

Just have to ask this question. Can a non-licensed person (not an LVN LPN or RN) insert a Hep-Lock /start an IV? Is there any "special certification" for a medical assistant to obtain which would enable them to do this procedure? If not, what if you had knowledge of this happening at a specific medical practice - what would you do?? Assume you don't work there, your friend does & she does not want to make waves.

Thanks for all info and opinions.

[WoofyMutt80]

I guess in some states, MAs can get certified. I am a MA, and I can give injections, except for narcotics.

[Chuckie]

We did many IVs in the Military as med techs on base with blood draws. I worked in doctors' offices as a civilian at the time, too, and I found out that I was allowed to do whatever the Dr needed. I did x-rays, blood draws, and IV starts I was not licensed at the time. Later I took the LPN test while I was in school for RN.

[dianegvsunp]

I was told in MI that MA can now do venipuncture and do IV pushes as long as they are certified. Is this true?

[RTRCarrie]

I am a Registered Radiologic Technologist; in other words, I have my associate's degree, and I am a licensed x-ray tech. I also took beginning and advanced phlebotomy, including clinical training. I now work at an urgent care clinic in Arkansas. I am on-the-job training as a MA. I take pt hx and vitals and assist doctors with procedures. I draw labs, call in prescriptions, & administer medications as ordered by the Dr. What I do not do is draw or administer narcotics & start, maintain, or push meds for an IV. I am interested in being trained (with certification) to start and maintain an IV, but I do not even want to take on the responsibility of pushing meds via IV. It would be very helpful in our company's clinics as well as make me a more helpful, knowledgeable, and desired employee.

If anyone knows where I might be able to achieve this certification without becoming a nurse, I would appreciate it. I do not want a nurse's job or responsibility to take away from what a nurse is. I want to learn how to become certified to start and end an IV. I am well trained in sterile technique. I understand its dire importance and adhere to such practice whenever called upon to do so in performing my job.

Thank you,

Carrie

[Rob72, ASN, RN]

Hi, Carrie. I would see if the U of A would let you take a block of instruction from their paramedic program; some community colleges might allow it if UA won't.

My IV experience came about via my phlebotomy- I was doing all of the sticks in the ED, so the Nurse Manager essentially said, "If you can stick somebody, why can't you leave something useful behind?" ? I was trained by the RNs, and it was added to my job description.

[RTRCarrie]

Thank you. I will look into that. I'm working full time and do not want to give that up, but if I can take online classes for any basics I might still need as requirements and then maybe one day a week go in, I could do that. Thank you again! 

[sanlpn]

Hi, everyone. I am currently trying to find an IV certification class online or in the classroom. I work for a hospice agency in MS but have an AR license, and the only class available requires I have a letter of support from the local hospital( not happening since I don't work there). ANY ideas would be helpful. Thanks, A lot.