Hello all, I am considering a career change to infusion nursing from ER. I figured since in ER we do a lot of infusions and deal with PICC lines and such, that the transition shouldn't be that difficult, but I could be wrong. Can someone please give me some insight into what a typical day as an infusion nurse is like? Also what are the hours/pay scale/stress level? What is typically the acuity level of the patients?I have been a ER nurse for 4 years, and also did travel nursing as an ER nurse and I am ready for something a little less stressful that still allows me to keep my skills (becuase I do enjoy working with IV's) I'm hoping this would be a good fit for me. Any advice is greatly appreciated, Thanks! 0 Likes
flyingchange Specializes in MPH Student Fall/14, Emergency, Research. Has 2+ years experience. Mar 20, 2013 Hello, infusion nursing is not my primary role but I may be able to offer some insight. I too am a former ER nurse (still work prn) and I now work full-time in research. However, I see 3 clients regularly for home infusion therapy through a homecare company.To answer your questions:1. My experience starting lines and handling infusions in emerg made the transition to infusion nursing pretty much effortless2. I make about $1 less per hour than I make in emerg, mileage, paid travel, small shift dif, no benefits (but I only work 4-8 hours/wk)3. My clients are super stable. They get an enzyme infusion every 1-2 weeks, that they've been getting for years.4. A typical visit for me involves visiting the client at their home with my documentation binder and nursing bag. The supplies are shipped to their homes by the homecare company. I show up and start the line, assess the pt, document what needs documenting, run the drug, d/c the IV and go home (or to my real job). I typically do about 30 mins of charting and faxing once I get home.5. Stress is basically nonexistent, I genuinely like all my clients and we get on well. There is a bit of stress when dealing with my home care company and the bureaucracy within, but that's not really related to the infusion nursing aspectHopefully that gives you some idea and a nurse who actually specializes in infusions will chime in! 0 Likes
msrhodes28 Mar 21, 2013 Thank you for your response, appreciate it!...That gives me some insight into this specialty...I think I will apply to some infusion jobs and see what happens... 0 Likes