IV certification

Hello: I have not been in direct patient care in 10 years. That was the last time I did any IV therapy. I am now having to go back into direct care but need IV education. Where may I find such education besides having to be on staff at a hospital?

Thanks..I am in Central Florida...cocoa beach area

[Brownms46]

Here is somewhere that might help, but it's an hour and half away from you...and the cost is pretty steep! http://www.seminole.cc.fl.us/health/courses/4therapy.htm

The class is not until Jul...but in the meantime I would try the hospitals in your area. I have taken classes at hospitals I didn't work at...and had no problem what so ever in doing so. When I was looking for an ACLS class I just called the education depts., at the different area hospitals, and when I left a message stating what I was looking for....I always recieved a call back at least by the next day! I hope this helps! Good Luck...

[anna c]

Thank you for the info. By the way, I just moved from North Dallas area to Fl 8 mths ago.

[pass21sept]

I am a recent graduate RN, I have worked on a med/surg floor as an LPN. I am going to be working in a acute care setting as a RN, and only got one chance to start an IV during our entire clinicals! I am 44 and I do not wish to look like well "Idiot". Is there any books or online free material that I could look at? As we are tight on money until I start working full time. Any web sites better than others?

[redhotnurse]

I have a question. I went to an inservice where I was told they are saying to use smaller catheters to start IV's as to help with hemodilution and we are being told at the hosptial I work at to always start with at least a #20. Does anyone know the national guidelines on this. It made sense to use a #22 so more blood flows with these harsh meds we put through those IV's.

[nursej00]

I am currently an IV certified LPN who works in a nursing home. We rarely start IV's. I have to have 10 hours of CEU's by December 31,2007 to renew my certification. Do you have any suggestions where and how I can do this without spending a lot of money?

Please Respond

[Binkey, BSN]

I have a question. I went to an inservice where I was told they are saying to use smaller catheters to start IV's as to help with hemodilution and we are being told at the hosptial I work at to always start with at least a #20. Does anyone know the national guidelines on this. It made sense to use a #22 so more blood flows with these harsh meds we put through those IV's.

Redhotnurse,

The guidleines that you need are spelled out by Infusion Nurses Society - They are a national society which many in the legal profession use as a "benchmark" as to standards of practice for infusion therapy.

You may find them at ins1.org

DD