Random Question

[nsu_demon]

So, I have a random question.... I have a friend and her cousin is claiming that she is learning to give IVs when she only has an associates degree in psychology, not psychiatry. I was in shock because psychologists even in training don't give IVs, correct ? She said it was her first day and that a "nurse" let her practice starting an IV. I was speechless. I was worried for any potential patients because I had my friend ask her if she knew anything about drug calc or drop factors, etc and her cousin answered " Oh, yeah I think they mentioned something like that." Am I losing my mind or is this insane ? I don't like calling anyone a liar, but it seems very fishy to me...Any input is appreciated because I don't think this girl has any business around patients period. It seems to me that she is either lying, but what is scarier is the fact that she admitted that she has cheated her way through her online degree and now she is in some sort of program to be a psychologist, while allegedly starting IVs!

[Destination1]

Random answer to your random question = 24! lol

Seriously this doesn't sound right to me. I have no problem calling someone a liar when its blatantly obvious but that's just me.

[Art_Vandelay]

A psychologist is not licensed to start or run IVs. The nurse who let her "practice" is risking her own license if this story is actually true.

[nsu_demon]

Wow , see that's what I was telling my friend because I just finished my 1st level clinical and I haven't even started an IV yet. This girl is claiming she stuck someone today though which is crazy! Thanks !! I knew it didn't sound right!

[itsmejuli]

You know what they say about psychology majors? They're all crazy. So maybe this girl is just lying. Did you ask where and why she's starting IVs?

[ocean waves]

Hi. I agree with the other comments that if the story about a nurse showing a psychologist how to start IV's is true there are probably some legal issues and patient risks involved. I am familiar with some clinical psychologists who are legally allowed to perscribe a few oral medications such as anti-depressants, however I have never heard of psychologists being legally allowed to start IV's. It would be wise for you to advise your friend's cousin to immediately consult with the administrative staff at the involved facility about legal guidelines for psychologists regarding IV's (for the sake of the patients' safety and to protect herself from any potential nasty law suits). Best wishes!

[mentalhealthRN]

Ocean waves--in what state are you in? Just curious. I am in NY and No psychologist of any degree level (Masters or PhD) are licensed to prescribe ANYTHING. The only individuals with prescribing authority here are MD/DO, NP and PA. Are you sure those people aren't psych NPs practicing in a therpy role?

[j621d]

What kind of position is this cousin in? Is she learnng phlebotomy? Is this a skill she is learning as part of her job skills? I learned to start IVs (I had a busines degree), but I was in nursing school. My point is, there may be some information missing. She may be in a position that requires her to learn the skill and has nothing to do with her current degree.

[mentalhealthRN]

OP-That is tough as I would feel the need to get to the bottom of that situation. I would confront the school/staff themselves to confirm weather or not this whole IV thing is happening or not. If it is a matter of just one staff person doing this the school needs to be aware as she is putting the school at risk for a lawsuit...and the licensing board would need to know of the situation and of the actions of this nurse.

[ashleyisawesome, BSN, RN]

associates degree in psych? im not sure what kind of job you can get with that anyway, i have some friends with Bachelors degrees in psych that cant find any kind of job, you pretty much need a masters or more... and as for starting IVs, thats insane.. and illegal... and shes lying. haha.

[Potassium]

Wow that alarms me, she clearly does not have the correct training to start IV lines.

[nsu_demon]

Thanks you guys! Yeah, this girl only has an assosicates in psychology. She claims she is going to school to become a psychologist and that they're training her to do IVs for the "patients that overdose". I really think she's just inflating her ego. I told my friends to ask her about dosage calc and she was clueless...I hope she is only lying too. She has a long history of doing so. I just worried about the potential patients, but my friends is going to get to the bottom of it. Thanks guys!