Question about IV certification

tokmom, BSN, RN · May 20, 2011

Most places certify you at work. At the hospitals I worked at, you had to show three successful sticks to be certified

Asystole RN · May 20, 2011

Non-RNs require "certification" (in most states) to perform IV sticks.

As a RN you can perform IV sticks, automatically considered within your SoP (in all states that I know of). Some facilities may require you to go through a training seminar or get a "certification" but these are typically facility based. Most "IV certifications" are actual certificates that, for example, LPNs/LVNs/CNAs get so that they can insert IVs since this task is typically outside of their SoP.

Most of these certificates require you to perfom X amount of successful sticks on patients before you are actually considered "certified" but how you go about that without a job may be a bit difficult.

IMHO, I wouldn't stress thinking that you HAVE to get one to get a job. If you are bored and have some money sitting around then I would recommend taking an IV cert class just for the extra little bit of training and education, couldn't hurt.

IVRUS, BSN, RN · May 20, 2011

Hello,
I am a new graduate nurse, with my BSN, and was curious as how to go about and get my IV certification. I heard a rumor that IV certification is something RN's automatically have. Any thoughts? Job market is terrible in Missouri (especially for GN's) and I was thinking that getting IV certified might increase my chances of landing a job. Any information would be great! Thanks!
Jenny

As a registered nurse, and as another poster wrote, you do not need additional "certifications" to do IV therapy... However, with that being said.. Do I think registered nurses could benefit from a course, both in the curriculum and out.. YES. It's expected that an RN can automatically put all the pieces of the infusion puzzle together to make a cohesive picture, but I can tell you that that isn't the case.

You are more than welcome to send me a message and I can then send you a list of classes I offer related to infusion. I am in St. Louis.

sored · May 20, 2011

Hi Jenny,

First of all, thank you for making the choice to be a nurse. Congrats. It is a wonderful calling. I appreciate your attention to certification and I will give you what I know. I have been a nurse 27 years, the last decade as a traveler and registry in CA. All over. The writers before me gave you the best advice. As I have experienced, there is no actual certification. Some hospitals require three successful starts. Some throw you out there just to get the task done. If you personally feel you need a bit more guidance I think you are smart to seek that out. Start with your lead nurse. She will direct you. The thing I hope you learn about nursing is that we all care about your success. Heck, we want to retire someday! State your needs. To put it short, I don't know of any very formal IV certification. It is not like having ACLS, BLS, or PALS where you get a transferrable card to present.

My only other peice of advice to you is do not ever do something you are not sure of. Oh. and DOCUMENT!!!!!

My best wishes,

Diane