Mandated IV Certification for RN

athomas91 · Mar 17, 2004

some of the hospitals i worked in required this as well...others didn't...

i really saw no difference between the two.

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Mar 18, 2004

Are they going to pay for and the time to get it?

Vsummer1 · Mar 18, 2004

I am confused here... as a student we were required to be IV certified in our 2nd semester. We would have failed the program if we didn't pass certification.

Is it really true that RN's don't have to be IV certified!?? I never even considered it before...

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Mar 18, 2004

Some hospitals have IV teams, so in theory there's no need for staff nurses to be IV certified. However, it's definitely to one's advantage to have this skill, as emergencies do arise and you're not going to be standing there paging the IV team when your patient's crumping and needs a line 5 minutes ago.

Where I work, ER usually starts the IVs on pts. coming through there, but otherwise we do our own. If we have a PRN nurse doing admissions and paperwork, she/he will help with starts as well (that's how I finally got good at IVs).

IV certification courses are generally taught using the standards established by the Intravenous Nurses Society, so if you have the opportunity to take such a course, you should......they have the latest information and are continually updating their standards, which is good for patients and nurses alike. :)

WalkingInTheRain · Mar 18, 2004

I think it is good b/c anywhere else you transfer if you do, you will already be certified and know how to do the IVs. If they are the same ones the hospital does. But, in the long run it can be beneficial. :)

RN8Last · Mar 22, 2004

Are they going to pay for and the time to get it?

Caroladybelle,

My employer paid for everything including the time that I sat for the class and exam--every single minute of it! :)

Not bad of a deal, I guess

MandyInMS · Mar 22, 2004

Never heard of anyone graduating without IV cert...go figger

Chuckie · Mar 22, 2004

You have got to be kidding! Our IV TEAM RN's Refuse to get Certified. They say they "know it all". Of course the test doesn't go into Starting and Restarting IV's which is the only think our team does.

Loribabble · Mar 22, 2004

We just had to get checked off in school... like any other skill and I have never been required to be certified. Wouldn't mind taking the course though. I tend to be able to get the really difficult ones and I love the challenge but never hurts to learn more.

caroladybelle, BSN, RN · Mar 23, 2004

Never heard of anyone graduating without IV cert...go figger

Are you talking about the National IV certification test (extensive classes with a long test at the end-like medsurg certification, CCRN, CEN or OCN) or just being checked off?

All RNs should know how to start an IV, but not all need to undergo certification. There is a big difference in those things.

RN8Last · Mar 28, 2004

Are you talking about the National IV certification test (extensive classes with a long test at the end-like medsurg certification, CCRN, CEN or OCN) or just being checked off?
All RNs should know how to start an IV, but not all need to undergo certification. There is a big difference in those things.

I meant IV Certification and not just being checked off as a skill :)