Nursing school not teaching IVs

Cheekeyo · Jan 26, 2006

It's the same thing here in Ontario (Canada) and I would expect increasingly so around the world. Nursing is turning away from skill focused abilities and medical knowledge as a whole. It is extremely unfortunate that nursing appears to be moving in such a disasterous direction, but there you have it.
I received no IV training whatsoever in my BScN program, and having graduated, am expected to do them at my place of employment - the trouble is, I've never had to do anything more difficult in my life! I just don't get it at all, and I really wish I had had some training as part of my degree program. Looking around now, I am unable to find ANY programs in my area that still teach IV therapy - these programs are all being discontinued province wide.
I wish you luck in finding a program, and highly reccommend you take one prior to being "thrown to the wolves" - if you can find one. I may have to take a week off and go stateside in order to pick up such training.

If you are on the east coast look at BC's (Boston College) website, they offer a certification course, I started it yesterday. The thing is, this course teaches the essentials, but you have to continously practice to have a good feel for it. They start with phelbotomy which you really don't need but this is a piece of the certification course. The class started yesterday, I signed up because I want my cert.

Have A Great Day,

Sunny

epiphany · Jan 26, 2006

I was in your shoes and just as worried as you about doing my IV's. When you start work, observe the procedure a few times, and have someone you can approach be there in the beginning. I know it's daunting right now, but when the time comes, you'll pick it up.

GooeyRN, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN · Jan 26, 2006

In both the LPN and RN program (both in northeast pa)we were taught procedure in lab but not allowed to do them in clinicals. In the RN program it was our very last lab. I too was terrified about going on the job without ever doing one. I worked a year in psych and never had to do them. Then switched to med/surg and was terrified! You will be fine. I got my first 3 on the first stick! I haven't been so lucky afterwards, but the more I do the better I get. I can now get atleast 75% on the first try. I know that doesn't sound to great, but it is to me. This is with a little over a year on med/surg.

Jasano · Jan 27, 2006

If you are on the east coast look at BC's (Boston College) website, they offer a certification course, I started it yesterday. The thing is, this course teaches the essentials, but you have to continously practice to have a good feel for it. They start with phelbotomy which you really don't need but this is a piece of the certification course. The class started yesterday, I signed up because I want my cert.
Have A Great Day,
Sunny

Hmm... well I'm desperate enough to go stateside if necessary - maybe turn it into a mini holiday. Could you tell me when the courses run, how long they are, and whether or not you get any hands on training with victims, err ah patients. :)

Cheekeyo · Jan 27, 2006

Hmm... well I'm desperate enough to go stateside if necessary - maybe turn it into a mini holiday. Could you tell me when the courses run, how long they are, and whether or not you get any hands on tra
ining with victims, err ah patients. :)

Here is the Website www.bc.edu/ce, take look at it. The class I went to on Wed. was good, one student was an experienced IV Team member from Mass General Hosp looking for her cert. and also a Phlebotomy instructor from Mass General looking for his cert also. Most of the people in the class where RN's, lots of good tips given by other nurses.

The instructor actually allowed a few people to practice on her "YIKES" haha.

Like I said in my last send, you need to get out there and practice. If I were you I consider going to the educational coordinator at your place of employment and voice your concern.

Take Care and Be Well

Sunny

dknunges · Jan 31, 2006

If the hospital you are working for a BD customers using their IV catheters, they offer a wide variety of IV classes for beginners (free CEU's too). They are from 2-8 hrs and on several topics. You will not be certified but better qualified to start IV's. You will only become more confident with each real IV you start on a patient. Talk to your unit manager and have them set up a day or two for you to spend in those high volume areas such as IV Team, Pre-Op, GI lab etc. You could contact your local BD Rep (Materials Management, Infection Control should know who they are) to find out more about this program.