How do you get to be an infusion nurse ?

[JoAnna McNurse]

I've been working over a year on an oncology unit since I graduated from nursing school (RN BSN 2n degree program).

I am sick of hospital floor work but really enjoy giving IV drugs. Is there a career path for me where I can do nothing but start IV's, PICC's, etc.?

How do I go about getting into this field? Any info you can give me on the "pros and cons" of such a nursing specialty would be greatly appreciated.

JoAnne

[amyrae76]

Yes, there are jobs available like what you describe. For example, one of the hospitals in my city has an IV Team. These nurses start IVs and insert PICC lines at the bedside. You don't necessarily need any specific training other than being an RN and having an interest in IV therapy. I've also seen a lot of job ads in our newspaper for home health infusion nursing. It's a growing field, so check into it in your area -- you should be able to find something. Good luck!

amy :)

[st4304]

If you live in or near a large city, most of the larger hospitals will have an IV team or PICC team. You do have to have specialized training in PICC/MLC placement, but most train you on the job.

I am part owner of an infusion nurse agency. We contract with smaller hospitals that don't have teams/trained RNs to place their PICCs/MLCs.

[mianders, RN]

I work in a hospital that has an infusion center. I do chemo, blood transfusions, IVIG and anything else that goes in a vein. There are a lot of hospitals that have these, but most want you to be chemo certified. Some oncologist have there own infusion suite to give chemo. Neurologist will give IVIG in their own infusion suite. This is a fast growing field. I left the ER after 12 years to do it and I love it. Good luck!

[mes777]

I am a new grad and I started in an infusion therapy department fresh out of school! I knew it was what I wanted to do and I did not want to waste my time with med surg. My boss did the samething as a new grad and she is an awesome resource! These kinda of jobs are not easy to get so when you get one you have to hold on to it!!!! Good luck!