Is IV CERTIFICATION worth anything?

[scoobysnax]

i'm in an absn program and about 6 weeks away from graduation.

the school is offering an optional last minute iv certification prior to the start of preceptorships and i was wondering if it is worth it? would it help in getting a job later?

here's the description:

this intravenous therapy learning module was initially created by sacramento state students in 2004. due to a renewed interest in resurrecting a community iv practice standard, the module was revised in 2008 and adopted for use by members of the healthy community forum (hcf) in the greater sacramento area. nursing schools participating in hcf will all use the iv module and the program’s certification process to prepare student nurses for clinical iv practice in represented hcf hospitals. it will serve as the standard for iv education and clinical competence.

if i plan to move to southern california after graduating, is it worth doing -as it seems like it's for the "greater sacramento area"

p.s. i'm thinking about skipping the certification "lab" to focus on studying for the exit exam -which if i fail it, i won't graduate. figured if i'm strapped for study time, it's better to have a bachelor's degree than a certificate!

what do you think? is it worth doing? or should i skip it?

thanks!

[APBT mom, LPN, RN]

It depends on what the facilities in your area require. I know in my area that they require you to have IV certification before you're allowed to touch a patient's IV (except d/c). I would look around at the area you're in and see if it's one of the job requirements for areas you're interested in.

[Woodenpug, BSN]

I say, and that is limited to my experience, any practice or knowledge you can get to improve your iv skills is useful.

[caliotter3]

When I was in a BSN program they told us that IV skills came with the territory for RNs. LVNs need to be certified. I would go ahead and get the training. You will get a little experience getting your three successful sticks and it never hurts to have a certificate showing extra training. Many students never get any IV experience in school. IV certification is required in some job listings. They usually are referring to LVN applicants, otherwise they will specify. Again, it can't hurt. Good luck with the job market.

[clee1]

Being proficient with IV starts and in the maintenance thereof improves your value to a facility.

You'd be amazed at the number of people that cannot start an IV on even a "simple stick".

[mpccrn, BSN, RN]

it won't get you extra money but is a perk for jobs not to mention it's great in a pinch to be able to start an IV with your patient crashing!

[anononurse]

none of the RNs I know are IV certified & they are awesome at starting IVs. I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to have it on your resume', however; that is no guarantee that you'll be proficient once you get a job- the only way to become proficient is by doing it day after day after day- for months/years. Good Luck!!

[nickola]

I work with an LPN who is IV certified and she is horrible at IV sticks- she has no technique & hasn't improved over the year she's been there! (despite the hospital's training program too). In fact, I have never

seen someone worse at starting at IVs!! Being certified is meaningless if you can't actually start IVs when you need to!