Carolynn E. Wilson

My personal experience was 1) written directives, 2) rubber prosthetic arm practice, 3) assignment to ER for two weeks watching insertion on site by licensed personnel (after checking written order, gathering supplies, clean or sterile setups only- up to actual access- nobody will put up with a student in ER usually) and hoping they will sign you off on that skill- and 4) in-service training at the first job with whoever is assigned to mentor you. Did not have internet in 1971 using You Tube or disposable equipment. The best training I received was a month with an actual IV certified nurse and we practiced on each other. So many nurses graduate without actually inserting an IV even one time. There is no legal requirements for ongoing assessment of skills sets in any venue I ever worked for (hospital, nursing home) likely due to the costs and time needed to perform every year or two. There is only a policy and procedure to follow and they vary with each employer. Some larger employers have a Nurse Educator on site, but her job is to make sure everyone is CPR certified every year, knows where the MSDS data sheets are located in case a surveyor asks you, and you offer proof of a pain CEU for your file. The State of MI requires about 24-26 CEU credits to maintain your license in anything you choose every two years. The Pain CEU is required in MI. but not all 50 states. Comes down to what your employer requires, or what you take the initiative to learn on your own, praying your first IV patient is in a coma, and another nurse will back you up if you fail the first time :>)