~IV & Other Certifications~

Sensoria17 · Jul 31, 2009

I just got certified but I'm not working. It is my understanding that in CA, you can only administer fluids such as NS, Lactated Ringer's, and the D5 one (can't remember the whole name). I know you can adminsiter blood products but I'm still not clear on whole blood. My instructor was from Ohio and he said that in most other states, LVN/LPNs do not need an additional certification for IVs and that they actually teach you that during the program.

I don't have any other certifications as I don't have the money to pay for them!

DaniLPN2RN · Jul 31, 2009

I live in FL. I'm IV Certified. Having the certification allows me to administer medications through the IV. I am not allowed to push narcs through the IV unless an RN is present; and an RN has to start the administration of blood products, but I can monitor the process.

As an LPN/LVN you have to have the IV certification, but some schools teach it during their programs; others don't!

systoly · Jul 31, 2009

When I started practicing in the state that I'm in, I was not IV certified in this particular state, but didn't need it. I used to to IV push and everything else, spare blood products. Now I'm IV certified in this state, but can't do IV push and am very limited in what I can hang or mix. My other certs are LTC, memory loss, and pharmacology.

mc3, ASN, RN · Aug 3, 2009

Hi, I got my IV certification in FL after taking the 30 hr course - plus I have 4 hours ones from my job. I think the certification just shows you know how to do it, it's not like a board exam where you certify nationally.

mc3

Bobylon · Aug 4, 2009

I live in FL. I'm IV Certified. Having the certification allows me to administer medications through the IV. I am not allowed to push narcs through the IV unless an RN is present; and an RN has to start the administration of blood products, but I can monitor the process.
As an LPN/LVN you have to have the IV certification, but some schools teach it during their programs; others don't!

Sounds like TN ..... as far as pushing narcs, we can only do it under direct RN or MD supervision and only in extreme emergency condition (whatever that may mean) .... and, yeah, we can't start blood (we can co-sign/double check with an RN, but they have to start it). And, yeah, our school certified us - IV class was the week after graduation, have to work 3 months before being permitted to actually do anything IV related (after which, you need a "refresher" ... LOL)

Lexxie, LPN · Aug 5, 2009

I intend to become IV certified in the near future. There's a 2 week class at one of the local hospitals. We can't touch IV stuff unless we are certified. My school did not teach it. They said it was up to our individual employer to decide if it was necessary.