IV infusion Training

[bebe101]

Hello , All

I have been Working as RN for long time . I’m also interested to becoming infusion nurse for long time . Now I am currently Looking for IV / infusion nurse job but every job opening needs experienced IV / infusion nurse . Please help if you know IV / infusion nurse training program by a company or a hospital that I can get a training by doing nurse internship in Maryland.

Thank you .

[Infusion50]

Hi bebe101,

Infusion nursing does seem to be a specialty that is difficult to get info on. I think that's because most(but not all) infusion nurses are a subspecialty coming out of oncology. Infusion specific jobs are usually associated with Cancer Centers. Infusion centers are considered Ambulatory Care units ...often on a hospital campus or can be free standing within a hospital network's geographical area so patients have better access. In order to work in one, you need to be chemotherapy certified (through ONS). Many of my nursing colleagues started out on an in-patient oncology unit where they were also required to get chemotherapy certified while on the job. That might be a good place to start. That's where all your valuable experience will originate from. In that role, you will certainly become an expert on all manner of venous access( and troubleshooting them) AND learn how to manage chemotherapy and infusion reactions. Most PICC nurses are infusion nurses with extra training. Both Chemotherapy Certification (ONS website) and PICC Certification are done on-line. While challenging, neither were very difficult. They are time consuming though because they require clinical preceptorships to go along with the on-line stuff. Thats why most infusion centers want you to come in with experience. There is also a professional organization for Infusion only ( INS website). There might be more job info for you there , especially if you become an associate member.

[bebe101]

Thank you so much !