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What Does an Intravenous Therapy Nurse Do?

Intravenous therapy nurses, also called infusion nurses, administer liquids to a patient intravenously (IV), directly into the patients' veins. They perform blood transfusions, a life-saving technique in which large quantities of blood are administered to the patient. As an intravenous therapy nurse, you will also administer pain relievers, cancer-fighting chemotherapy drugs, and hydrating fluids to patients. No longer working only in hospitals, intravenous therapy nurses also work in skilled nursing facilities, physician offices, and even in the home.

Education & Training Required to Become an Intravenous Therapy Nurse

Intravenous therapy nursing degree programs are required for this type of specialty nursing. You must have a high school degree (or GED), and a bachelor of science in nursing, an associate's degree, or a hospital diploma. You can also attend accredited online degree programs to earn an associate's or a bachelor degree. To become a registered nurse (RN), you must pass a national license examination. You can then become a certified registered nurse infusion (CRNI) through the Infusion Nurses Certification Program, which can enhance both your salary and rate of career advancement.

Typical Characteristics of an Intravenous Therapy Nurse

Because of their close contact with patients, intravenous therapy nurses should be caring, sympathetic, and emotionally supportive of patients. As this type of nurse, you should be prepared to care for patients in a variety of emotional and physical states, such as severe pain and emotional distress. Inserting a needle into the patient's vein may be an arduous task, so attention to detail, good coordination, and patience is also beneficial in this type of nursing.

High Demand for Intravenous Therapy Nurses

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment of nurses is expected to grow much faster than the average job growth rate: an average 22 percent between 2008 and 2010. During this time, 581,500 new nursing jobs are predicted to become available. The Infusion Nurses Society maintains that there should be significant growth in the specialty of intravenous therapy, particularly because new biologic agents that require IV infusion continue to be developed at a high rate by pharmaceutical companies.