Published May 14, 2009
Tait, MSN, RN
2,142 Posts
Hey AllNurses :)
I was wondering if there were any RN's out there currently working days in IV infusion. I am considering a specialty change and was looking for some perspective.
Currently I am working 7p-7a as a med-surg/complex cardiac/GI RN. I can handle the work, however I feel the night schedule is wreaking havoc on my overall being at this time. Looking to switch to possible days, even if it means 9-5 and a regular work week.
Any input appreciated.
Tait
nghtfltguy, BSN, RN
314 Posts
what exactly do you mean by iv infusion??
im confused... that is a job?? and if so...where in the hell do you work???
i want that job!!!!...
I INFUSE IV DRUGS ALL DAY LONG....... its not a job title..
do you mean being a CRNA??
what in the world are you talking about???
iv infusion??
we all do that!!!!!
LovingNurse, BSN, RN
200 Posts
I just ran into a friend from school who said he quit med-surg and is working 9-5 at an out-pt cancer center as an Infusion Nurse and loves it. I work Med/Surg 7P-7A and I agree, it sounds like an improvement.
what exactly do you mean by iv infusion??im confused... that is a job?? and if so...where in the hell do you work???i want that job!!!!...I INFUSE IV DRUGS ALL DAY LONG....... its not a job title..do you mean being a CRNA??what in the world are you talking about???iv infusion??we all do that!!!!!
Infusion nurses generally work 9-5 outpatient centers where people come for routine chemo/Remicaide (as my husband does) infusions.
I am assuming the nurses are responsible for IV starts, med calculations and monitor for side effects.
HappyBunnyNurse
190 Posts
I think that it helps to have a background in oncology. When I worked on an oncology unit several coworkers were looking to make the switch. I think a lot of the job is monitoring for side effects during infusion and checking blood counts before infusion. (On the floor we got pts who showed up with bad counts or had reactions at the infusion center.) I would think you also do a lot of pt education.
Also you wouldn't necessarily do that many IV sticks; many pts would have a picc or port.
southernbeegirl, BSN, RN
903 Posts
It was 2 home health IV infusion nurses that got me into nursing! they took care of my first husband and they taught me about sterile dressing changes, CVLs, port, PICCs and how to start a peripheral IV all before i was ever even thinking about nursing school. (they had to because our insurance company said i was "trainable" and took them away from us except as a support).
this has nothing to do with this thread except it made me remember them both.
i've always thought i would love to do IV infusion.
Infusion nurses generally work 9-5 outpatient centers where people come for routine chemo/Remicaide (as my husband does) infusions.I am assuming the nurses are responsible for IV starts, med calculations and monitor for side effects.Tait
there are outpatient centers that just do IV infusion? how would one go about finding them in the area?
retiredlady
147 Posts
Infusion centers also do IV drugs, antibiotics, blood, blood products for people who have low immunity, chemo. They start IVs and help maintain them etc. on a outpatient basis. They work with central lines, perpherials, Piccs, and ports etc. Our city has had them for years. They can be within the hospital or in a doctors office. They are very nice to have for both the patient and doctors.