perceived requirement for LPN's IV therapy cert.

[servant2]

Hello All,

I am an LPN new to middle Tennessee and suffering a little culture shock. Having transferred my license to TN and in looking for work here, I have discovered that it is expected that I take an "approved" IV therapy course in order to work most places or so I was told in a job interview this last week.

I looked online at the Board of Nursing Rules and Regs regarding LPN's pushing IV meds and read not what I had been told but that, if I had training at a facility and competency program prior to 2007, that would qualify an LPN to push IV meds with normal restrictions on what could be pushed.

However, if the facilities around here want their LPN's to have the training, it doesn't make much difference what the Board's rules etc. are.

But not to many classes are available locally and few online. I will try to do the online course. I will have to do a practicum for the hands on portion of the course, hopefully, not have to travel too far.

It is scary to start over in a new place but I know that fear is a common feeling among nurses who have to do something new and I can manage. I know to ask for help when I need it.

I appreciate having this blog available to me. I have never felt the need to sign in to any blog site before, but this has been helpful already just with today's visit.

servant2

[NARCAN]

if you do not find a local facility to train you for iv certification you can always do it online. website is napnes.org this website tells you all the certifications you can get. just incase they require more!! i think most of the state now are starting to ask for iv certifications. its more for us but it also adds to our knowledege and salary...hope this helps!!good luck!!

[caliotter3]

The certification looks good on your resume and if the region you are in is pushing this requirement, then you should get it. Don't worry about using it on the job unless you really get a job where it is necessary. You will become proficient. Normally there will be someone more experienced that you can ask for assistance if you have any questions or doubts. I only used my IV skills twice in LTC facilities and in both cases (we were trying to start new lines in difficult patients), there was a team approach to the task. We helped each other. As a matter of fact, one of the starts was my first on the job practice start with a supervising RN looking over my shoulder. What was so remarkable about this was that the patient was not assigned to me. The patient's assigned nurse refused to go into the room. She told the CNAs that she was not IV certified (I later found out that she was lying).

Back to your concerns. Getting IV certified can only benefit you in the long run. Always remember to ask your supervising RN for help if you need it.

[servant2]

Thanks for the responses to my post. I recently interviewed for a job where IV Cert. may be moot because the job is in a clinic. I may get the cert anyway, I don't know.

Be blessed, servant2

[xNursePinkx2b]

Hey TN Technology center in Nashville has a IV cert course if your near there http://www.nashville.tec.tn.us/

[servant2]

Nashville is not very convenient. The local tech center has an IV cert class in January 2008; I just didn't want to wait that long if it meant working or not working. But since I probaly won't need it for the physician's group clinic which has the working conditions I think I will like, I may not pursue it just now.

Thank you anyway.