"You won't be IV certified..."

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  1. Are you IV certified?

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A few nurses that I work with have mentioned that my LPN program, which is 2 core semesters starting in a few weeks, won't make me eligible to be "IV certified." I am not too worried because I plan to go right into an LPN to BSN bridge program as soon as I graduate next May, but what does this mean for my LPN job prospects? I plan to work as an LPN while obtaining my RN license. I understand most hospitals don't hire LPN's anymore but the skilled nursing facility I currently work at does and needs nurses, so that's where I most likely will stay. I'm just wondering how some LPNs are able to start IVs and some are not, and how you become "IV certified" specifically. :/

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Specializes in Neuro, Telemetry.

From what I understand, there are courses specifically for training LPNs to be IV certified. You take and pass the course and become certified. There are probably programs that offer IV certification as part of their program and some that don't. If his program does not IV certify then it means you will have little if any IV training. Best thing to do is ask the program director about IV certification and see if it's offered through them.

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I am not aware of any LPN program that includes IV certification coursework within the program, although I have no doubt that depending on the State's Nurse Practice Act, there may be some that do.

Regardless, if YOUR program does not have this component, you can take a course (approximately 30 hours, includes classroom and practicum components) to get the certification.

Your State will dictate what you are permitted to do with IVs. Some States give quite a bit of leeway for an RN to delegate IV work to an LPN, some practically none.

My own State allows an LPN to do a reasonable amount with IVs (ONCE they have certification), but there is quite a lot that they cannot do. And it's always going to fall to the RN to do verification charting at least once per shift (Nurse Practice Act supersedes facility policy). IV certification would make you more marketable, no doubt :)

Good luck to you!

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When I was LVN I had to do it elsewhere, I've also never heard of a program that includes it. Just do a search of IV certification and your area. They'll pop up. Then shop around for a good price.

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I am currently in School in California completing my LVN program - Our school does not include IV Certification in our program its a extra course thats a week long and costs between $200 - $300.

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Specializes in Neuro, Telemetry.

I wrote my first response terribly ha. My bad. I didn't mean included in the LPN program, but that the school itself may offer the certification course. But looks like others have already clarified and given better info.

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I'm IV certified. My school offered it after the program to anyone who wanted it. It wasn't DURING the program though.

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Thanks everyone for all the great information! I didn't know a side certification class existed, but now I see I have some options. This forum is so helpful!

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Not every state requires you to be "certified". In many states you are not allowed to do IV pushes of certain medications, hang blood, etc (certified or not). This does not mean you cannot initiate an IV, run IV medication, or assess an IV site without being certified. Review you Nurse Practice Act/speak with BON staff regarding this.

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Iv therapy is part of my program. Its in the last semester of the program. In my area as an LPN we won't be able to hang blood or push certain medicines but can start IVs, run some meds, etc. I'm glad its included in the program and I dnt have to pay for and extra course

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Once I graduate I will be IV certified. It is included in our program but I dont know the exact details because our first day is Monday. Before our instructor mentioned it, I had no idea that all programs did not include IV certification. I will be attending a school in New Orleans but from what I understand most schools do not included it in their program.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Med-Surg, Psych, Geri, LTC, Tele,.

My Lvn school offered iv certification right after we graduated. Cost approx 350.

I wasn't able to use my iv skills in my Lvn jobs.

I think it was a resume booster, though.

But it was helpful to have it under my belt when I started my bridge to rn program. 😀

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