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This course is designed to prepare the Registered and Licensed Practical Nurse (RN/LPN) to initiate and maintain peripheral intravenous infusions. Through a combination of theory instruction, in class lab practice, and in person infusion clinic practice education shadow days, students will develop their skills in IV insertion and maintenance. Students will learn how to minimize patient discomfort and complications and increase insertion success rates. Students will gain knowledge in locating sites, preparing supplies and equipment, insertion techniques, adjusting flow rates, identifying complications, and monitoring the patient receiving IV therapy.
After successful completion of this course, students are expected to develop proficiency in these skills with clinical mentorship and experience in their health care facility. When aspects of care or skill are beyond the nurse’s level of competence, it is the nurse’s responsibility to seek education and/or supports needed for that care setting (British Columbia College of Nurses & Midwives).
No supplies are needed to be purchased. All supplies will be provided by CareBridge Training Academy.
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Total Hours: 16 hours
First class: Introduction to infusion therapy. Lecture, hands on skills practice : 4 hours in person in classroom/lab practice setting at CareBridge Training Academy.
Practice Education Day 1: Onsite at an infusion clinic. Introduction to infusion clinic work flow. No patients. Case Scenario based. Students will be able to practice skills in an infusion clinic – 4 hours total. Schedule date and time with instructor to meet at infusion clinic.
Practice Education Day 2: Onsite at infusion clinic observing patient infusion therapy appointments. Practice venipuncture on patient and shadow infusion nurse. 4 hours total. Schedule date and time with instructor.
Practice Education Day 3: Onsite at infusion clinic. Will take on patient assignment and perform infusion nurse clinic duties under the supervision of the infusion nurse. 4 hours total. Schedule date and time with instructor.
Will provide students with addresses of the infusion clinic during the first class.
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Requirement: Current BC RN/RPN/LPN Licensure.
This course is intended to be continuing professional development for individuals with Current BC RN/RPN/LPN Licensure
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Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Describe the role of the nurse in IV therapy, including scope of practice for IV therapy
Identify indications for IV therapy
Describe the anatomy and physiology of the vascular system
Apply principles of infection control
Identify types of intravenous solutions
Explain the advantages and disadvantages of IV therapy
Identify approaches to take to prevent, detect and minimize complications
Prepare an infusion according to a healthcare professional’s orders and employer policies and procedures
Prepare equipment and select appropriate insertion site for prescribed therapy
Practice venipuncture (under supervision) on a training arm
Explain calculations related to IV therapy
Initiate, monitor, and maintain an intravenous infusion
Recognize and handle adverse events
Review an infusion order form
Work with with IV pumps
Document appropriate information in the patient’s progress notes