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I took the class last month. Was it stressful? Only the first stick! There were 8 people in the class, 3 RNs and 5 LVNs. One of the RNs was very experienced, but was there b'cuz his employer required it.
I was lucky, he was my partner. There was one gal (LVN) who scared me. She held the introducer at odd angles, had to be reminded on MANY occasions to hold it correctly. She was not fluent in english.
I watched how my partner applied the tourniquet, held my hand, measured, straightened the vein, introduced the needle, felt the resistance, then fed the catheter. He did it with such ease, from start to finish - the whole procedure took less than 10 secs (not including taping, attaching tubing, bag, etc). No hesitation or trepidation.
I followed his lead and got it every time. But of course, that is school w/the teacher standing over us, watching like a mother hen. I've yet to do it in the workplace! yikes!
Thanks. I am going to be taking the class with a friend of mine soon. I don't know if she knows IV's or not.
I hope so. I have some experience with IV's and PICC's but not starting IV'S. It sounds like you really lucked out by getting the partner who was very experienced with IV's. I may need to dump my friend if she doesn't know IV's and find myself a very experienced nurse partner instead.
The class I took in OH in 2007 was 36 hrs, I think-2 weekends-Sat and Sun- I've still not been able to utilize those skills but it's nice to know I have them if needed. When I applied for endorsement to FL, it carried over so I didn't have to re-take the class...WHEW!! LOL...Good luck and you will not regret taking this course..
Thanks EMR. I am glad to hear that you did not have to retake the IV certification class when you moved to Florida..
I hope you will get a chance to use the skills you have learned.
When I worked those 2 years in hospice, none of my patients ever had an IV.
My local college offered the 30 hour IV certification class too. However, they charge $450 for this class.
I lucked out and found a different IV class out of town for $190. However, since I am bringing a friend they gave us each a $15 discount so we each paid $175. I would urge anyone who needs to take this class to take it ASAP.
My guess is that the prices of these IV classes will continue to go up in the future.
Blackcat99
2,836 Posts
I am signed up for the 30 hour IV certification class for LPN'S. Has anyone taken this class or knows someone who did? I would like to hear your opinion on the class. They have sent me a study guide and a pretest to study before the weekend class. They say it is a no stress class. Is that true? Thanks for any information.