Infusion Nursing?

[NewGradRN96]

I have been a nurse for a year and a few months. I started my nursing career on a Telemetry floor and I now work on an Oncology floor. I really want to leave the hospital setting and do outpatient nursing. I have been thinking about trying infusion nursing. I am currently in the process of getting chemo certified in my current position so I plan on staying until at least December. However, I am trying to get prepared now. If anyone has done infusion nursing before is there any tips or advice that you think would be beneficial for me to know prior to getting started?

Thank you! ?

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

I did home infusion nursing for > 10years.

AN's Infusion Nursing form has helpful info.

Some areas of the U.S. only have home infusion provided by a specialty infusion company while other home health agencies provide infusion services along with med surg + maternity care.  Check out the job ads in your area to see hiring trends.

1. Proficiency in peripheral IVs essential.

2. Chemo certification a plus as home chemo often given.

3.  Best to get PICC line certified; most placed inpatient in my area today, however, homebound not admitted and SNF patients will have infusion nurses place lines.  

4. Central line skills: Hickman, Broviac, Groshongs, Port -a cath. necessary.

5. Pain management via CADD PCA often used. Learn how to use and program them --there are several models in use.

5.  Proficiency in teaching patients TPN, IV antibiotics, pain management needed.

5.  Blood product administration :RBC, WBC, platlets, IVIG in conjunction  with Red Cross done by my agency -- few provide this service unless Specialty infusion.

6. Home antibiotics often infused using elastomeric pumps rather than IV mini bags as easier for patients.

examples:

 

 

Home infusion was a favorite part of home care. Hope you find your niche career.

Here are some links to help you

CMS Directory Home Infusion Therapy Providers

Ambulatory Pump Safety: Managing Home Infusion Patients ...

Overview of Central Venous Access  Devices

LINES, TUBES, PORTS, WHAT TO DO WITH THEM

Coram Infusion Patient Resource Guide

[NewGradRN96]

10 minutes ago, NRSKarenRN said:

I did home infusion nursing for > 10years.

AN's Infusion Nursing form has helpful info.

Some areas of the U.S. only have home infusion provided by a specialty infusion company while other home health agencies provide infusion services along with med surg + maternity care.  Check out the job ads in your area to see hiring trends.

1. Proficiency in peripheral IVs essential.

2. Chemo certification a plus as home chemo often given.

3.  Best to get PICC line certified; most placed inpatient in my area today, however, homebound not admitted and SNF patients will have infusion nurses place lines.  

4. Central line skills: Hickman, Broviac, Groshongs, Port -a cath. necessary.

5. Pain management via CADD PCA often used. Learn how to use and program them --there are several models in use.

5.  Proficiency in teaching patients TPN, IV antibiotics, pain management needed.

5.  Blood product administration :RBC, WBC, platlets, IVIG in conjunction  with Red Cross done by my agency -- few provide this service unless Specialty infusion.

6. Home antibiotics often infused using elastomeric pumps rather than IV mini bags as easier for patients.

examples:

 

 

Home infusion was a favorite part of home care. Hope you find your niche career.

Here are some links to help you

CMS Directory Home Infusion Therapy Providers

Ambulatory Pump Safety: Managing Home Infusion Patients ...

Overview of Central Venous Access  Devices

LINES, TUBES, PORTS, WHAT TO DO WITH THEM

Coram Infusion Patient Resource Guide

Thank you so much for all the information! It is very helpful hearing from someone who has had experience with infusion nursing. I appreciate all the pdfs too. I will definitely take a look at those. Much appreciated! ☺

["nursy", RN]

I was an infusion specialist for years.  One handy hint:  Even if someone teaches you on a certain pump, you will probably not remember everything, and may be at a lost in the home care setting.  Remember, every pump has an 800 number attached to it, that you can call for information.  That comes in very handy when you encounter a pump you've never seen before.   I loved infusion nursing.  Good luck!