Published
Most nursing homes in FL require you to have this certification before you are hired. Which you would think they would teach you in school, but they dont. I worked in three nursing homes in FL as an LPN and my first facility provided the training for me. The other two it was a requirement and they gave you 90 days to obtain it if you didnt have it already. I did not get an extra pay for that and I do not believe you will for your EKG either. Maybe at an hospital you might, but not in a nursing home setting which there is a real good chance you will be working (unless you are already working in a hospital). Good luck with school!!
How I got my IV training.
I watched a couple of short training films one night. The next night one of the EMT-Ps handed me an IV tray with one hand, stuck out the other arm and said "start one." I actually got it on the second try, but I was a total fumble fingered fool as far as getting the dressing in place, tape, attatching the extension set, etc.
After that I got to make the first attempt on just about every IV that had to be started during my shift as well as a few after my shift ended.
I hit about 80% of my starts on the first try now so I guess you could say I'm certified by my facility.
As far as extra pay goes, I got the exact same raise I got when I got my certs in ACLS and PALS - care to guess or should I go ahead and say it?
I believe IV cert. varies by state,and compensation by employer. I got certified by the state of Colorado 20 yrs. ago,taught by an accredited provider. It was a 44-hr. course,with classroom and practicum. In 2006 an upgrade was required,covered central lines,and was needed to maintain licensure. I'm paid a differential based on a certification above and beyond basic LPN licence,work in a SNF,and use those skills more often than I ever thought I would.
I was trained for free at my job, even though I was assigned to work in the clinic. Didn't get to use it often until I started working overtime on the floors. Thank goodness, a few days before, I went to visit a friend and watched her do it. I would have forgotten a great deal. But I am thankful that I kept up my phlebotomy skills, so, starting a line wasn't that frightening.
My IV certification came with the nursing program, when you get your license, it will say whether you are certified or not. I dont think you will get paid more, but that just makes your resume look better than the one who doesnt have it.
Great point - this is why I did ACLS and PALS as an LPN. It sure looks good on paper.
Great point - this is why I did ACLS and PALS as an LPN. It sure looks good on paper.
This is the reason I did it also. A nice point on the resume, at least in my opinion. In my state most LVN programs have an optional IV certification course at the end of the program, otherwise, a person has to get trained on the job or pay for a course themselves. No extra pay for this, whether a job requirement or not.
caitmarie813, LPN
11 Posts
I just got accepted to start the LPN program in August. I live in Florida and I was just wondering about the IV certification. Is there a waiting period between becoming an LPN and getting certified? Do you have to wait before you can get certified? Also, as a CNA I got EKG certified and I got a very small pay raise. As an LPN would I get a pay raise if I got re-certified?
Thank you!!!!