IV therapy/certification/teaching in Texas

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Aug 3, 2011

Hi everyone,
I'm a travel nurse of 11 years who has decided to settle down in Texas. I've gotten extensive experience on IV teams, and with infusion therapy in general and I've been looking for some resources in this area and seem to be getting mixed info, so I'm hoping to hear from y'all about what you may know!
I know there is not an "official" IV therapy certification for RN's (other than the CRNI exam) but I've heard of various classes out there for LVN's since this is a delegated skill. The Texas Board of Nurses has issued a position statement showing their support for LVN's to become certified, but doesn't endorse specific programs.
So here are my questions:
1. Are there requirements to offer a class or teach IV therapy skills to other nurses (RN's/LVN's)?
2. Does the CRNI credential allow you to teach IV skills?
3. What IV training programs in Texas are there in existence? Are these programs regulated by anyone?
Any info you have is greatly appreciated!
Danielle RN, CLNC

I lived in TX for 17 years, and worked with LVNs who were IV certified all the time :) It is largely dictated by the individual hospital. Some allow LVNs to start IVs, but not give IVP meds- others don't let them start IVs, but give IVP meds... all can monitor fluids and give IVPBs... it's kind of crazy- but somehow it works out :) RNs are expected to know how to do whatever needs doing. I can't speak to the CNRI creds .

I LOVED Texas, and would be back there if not for my own health issues. :)

Shell5 · Nov 9, 2011

Wondering if anyone found out an exact answer for this. I work at an assisted living community and we are going skilled soon. We have some LVN's that need to be refreshed on IV's, but the course from the pharmacy is over 1,000.00. Can't the RN's just teach the LVN's how to use IV's?

IVRUS, BSN, RN · Nov 10, 2011

Wondering if anyone found out an exact answer for this. I work at an assisted living community and we are going skilled soon. We have some LVN's that need to be refreshed on IV's, but the course from the pharmacy is over 1,000.00. Can't the RN's just teach the LVN's how to use IV's?

Wow... Is that 1000.00 charge for 10 people? Or is it per person... I can't imagine that it is a individualized charge. There are pharmacies in Texas which will charge, but contractual obligations are respected. Some pharmacy got a real sweet deal if they are charging a grand per person.

Anywho, Can you as a RN teach IV therapy.. YES, however, you will be seen with much greater credibility if you are teaching and have your CRNI as that denotes someone who has excellence in the specialty of infusion therapy. If you, like me, love IV therapy, Go for your CRNI after you study and have the experience behind you to adequately pass this tough exam. There are programs for IV therapy given by many pharmacies in Texas. What part of this great state are you in?

I taught in Texas in the late 90's when I owned my own infusion education company so I am aware of others still in operation.

Shell5 · Nov 11, 2011

The actual charge was about 1300.00 for a group of 10 nurses, not an individual. That was a quote from the pharmacy we have a contract with. Of course, I would like to find a better deal. Thanks for the information. I am in central Texas area, just North of Austin, TX.

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Nov 11, 2011

Wondering if anyone found out an exact answer for this. I work at an assisted living community and we are going skilled soon. We have some LVN's that need to be refreshed on IV's, but the course from the pharmacy is over 1,000.00. Can't the RN's just teach the LVN's how to use IV's?

The "exact" answer in TX (since that's what the OP asked about) is whatever the individual hospital decides it will be :)

The hospitals I worked at had their own cert classes. The nurses did not have to pay for their own- nor should they if it's a hospital specific class. If an LVN moves to another city, they have to take THAT hospitals IV class....it's not a state wide class. This was several years ago- but hadn't changed from 1986-2002....

There has to be continuity- so no, the floor RNs do not just teach the nurses on that floor.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Nov 11, 2011

Actually, the Tx BON statement is referring to the NAPNES certifications. http://napnes.org/drupal-7.4/Certifications

NAPNES is the LVN equivalent of ANA for RNs. There are currently 3 national certifications for LV/PNs: Long Term care, Pharmacology & IV Therapy. If employers are conducting IV therapy courses, they may result in an institutional "certification", but it may not be recognized or honored by other employers like the NAPNES certification.