How to Become IV certified.

Hello,

I am a certified CNA, wrapping up my first year of nursing school. As is becoming the standard, I am not going to be IV trained during this program (I guess it normally happens as an on the job training now days). I'm looking into becoming IV certified over the summer, but have no idea where one can acquire such certification or what requirements it may have. Any input is helpful! By the way, I live in Minneapolis mn.

Thanks!
Joseph Gundlach
What are you planning to do with that cert? If you're not able to start lines as a cna, then you won't get practice and you'll simply be wasting your money.

Not teaching IVs in nursing school is not "becoming the norm." It depends on which program you choose and I would definitely NOT choose a program that doesn't cover such a fundamental nursing skill.

I'm simply trying to gain more experience as I'm certain ill eventually need the skill. I figure it can only help as far as finding a job goes. I understand that hospitals usually require their nurses to be IV certified through the hospital regardless of prior certification. I've been taught everything about IVs, just have not been trained on how to place one. It would be great if someone could provide a resource or company that offers certification.

I am going to agree with the other poster. The class itself doesn't really make a big difference if you aren't going to be practicing on patients until you graduate from nursing school at which point you'll probably need to be recertified anyway. The best experience you can get is by doing them over and over on patients that complain or jerk their arm away or on veins that roll and blow aka the real world not under perfect conditions on a mannequin that bleeds. I get wanting to have it on your r�sum�, but I don't know of any IV cert classes offered to non-licensed practitioners and if there was I think it would be a waste of time and money. I would suggest phlebotomy class over PIV class.

At the CNA level, I would completely agree... you're going to be better off with a phlebotomy cert than with an IV cert. Why? You'll actually be able to use that skill and you'll get experience putting sharp stuff in people's veins. The technique is a bit different, but you'll be better off in the long-run.

I'm not in your state, but in my state, IV certification is exclusive to the LPN. It allows the LPN to start IVs, give most meds in PIVs, and assess sites. You wouldn't be allowed to take a class (most are through community colleges) unless you already had your LPN license.As for your statement that "I understand that hospitals usually require their nurses to be IV certified through the hospital regardless of prior certification." I'm not sure where you are getting your information. Hospitals typically *train* their nurses on their P&Ps, materials, pumps, etc. No class is going to help with that, as every hospital has different equipment and different policies. No hospital requires all their nurses to be IV certified; that's simply false. There isn't an IV certification for RNs.If you are talking about advanced certification through professional organizations, that typically is reserved only for those nurses working exclusively in IV therapy. Placement of IVs will come with clinicals. If not, it'll come with on the job training, if you need it.

In Texas you would not be allowed to start IV's or administer IV meds unless you are a nurse. Your CNA scope of practice simply would not allow it. However, phlebotomy is another story and would open up a whole new career for you.

Quote from Jgun359I'm simply trying to gain more experience as I'm certain ill eventually need the skill. I figure it can only help as far as finding a job goes. I understand that hospitals usually require their nurses to be IV certified through the hospital regardless of prior certification. I've been taught everything about IVs, just have not been trained on how to place one. It would be great if someone could provide a resource or company that offers certification.

Quote from amanda_k28Not teaching IVs in nursing school is not "becoming the norm." It depends on which program you choose and I would definitely NOT choose a program that doesn't cover such a fundamental nursing skill.

Quote from Jgun359I'm simply trying to gain more experience as I'm certain ill eventually need the skill. I figure it can only help as far as finding a job goes. I understand that hospitals usually require their nurses to be IV certified through the hospital regardless of prior certification. I've been taught everything about IVs, just have not been trained on how to place one. It would be great if someone could provide a resource or company that offers certification.

Wow... It is a skill that even a "monkey" can do... I do NOT agree Akulahawk. Starting/Placing an IV catheter is so much more than "just sticking someone!" Not being aware of that, may mean that that important education hasn't come your way yet...P.S. I hope you get it soon!

Quote from IVRUSWow... It is a skill that even a "monkey" can do... I do NOT agree Akulahawk. Starting/Placing an IV catheter is so much more than "just sticking someone!" Not being aware of that, may mean that that important education hasn't come your way yet...P.S. I hope you get it soon!