Iv Initiation.

zeus&lincoln · Oct 27, 2014

Nope! Some hospitals have training sessions that you can partake in others allow your preceptor to guide you in this process.

relaxingbath · Oct 28, 2014

An RPN can start IV as well. Usually you a quick over view of what to look for by the nurse clinician on your unit then you are observed for a number of starts some organizations its 3 some are higher, then you are good to go do it yourself.

vintage_RN, BSN, RN · Oct 28, 2014

At my hospital, I did an online module, then attended a 1 day workshop on vascular access therapy (blood draws and IV starts), and then had to have 3 witnessed successful starts and then I was certified (I'm an RPN). So no, you don't need the course if you're working for an organization who will put you through this process. Ask your educator.

Mewsin · Oct 29, 2014

Isn't this in your classes?

I'm just a little confused because I'm in a Practical nursing program and as a student I can start IVs without having to take a course because it was in our classes.

jl2002 · Oct 29, 2014

Isn't this in your classes?
I'm just a little confused because I'm in a Practical nursing program and as a student I can start IVs without having to take a course because it was in our classes.

Are you talking about hanging a bag or actually inserting an IV angiocath?

Mewsin · Oct 29, 2014

Are you talking about hanging a bag or actually inserting an IV angiocath?

In my world, starting and IV is inserting them? I didn't realize there could be confusion on that. We did IV maintenance in 3rd semester (hanging a bag, just for clarity). In 4th semester we learned to insert them. We've been on the floor inserting IVs since we started our final clinicals.

Fiona59 · Oct 29, 2014

Mews in, you may be taught the skill in college, BUT, employers will require you to take their education with a CNE to ensure you are current and safe. It doesn't matter if you are new grad or have twenty years in as nurse. New hire meets CNE a for the skill demo and witnessed starts.

I am surprised that student nurses are allowed to insert the cannula, my facility does not permit it. Bag changes yes, med admin yes.

Mewsin · Oct 29, 2014

Fiona please don't read this as snarky but that isn't necessarily true. I have seen new grad coming out of the same program I am in being able to start IVs without extra training. We have asked them and they said no they did not have to take more training after school.

I'm actually surprised more students don't start IVs. Honestly in the hospital where I am, they grab me to start all IVs that I can to get more experience.

THELIVINGWORST, ASN, RN · Oct 29, 2014

Not to hijack the thread but it's amazing the differences between American training and Canadian training! In America we learn IV starts in nursing school, in fact we learn all our "skills" in school, not on the job.

starlane · Oct 29, 2014

Thanks for all the replies, I think it depends where you went to school/which facility you were hired--I suppose they all are different. I am an RN and in all my four years in school we were not allowed to insert IV's at all, even in consolidation. At my school they always said that if we wanted to be able to insert IV's during our consolidation we would have to take this four day course (Which i never did). So when i recently got hired I just kind of had this mindset that a course was needed, but I will ask my educator

starlane · Oct 29, 2014

Not to hijack the thread but it's amazing the differences between American training and Canadian training! In America we learn IV starts in nursing school, in fact we learn all our "skills" in school, not on the job.

It would make sense to learn it so that your prepared for when you get a job!!!!