For patients who require intravenous (IV) treatments or catheterization, an infusion nurse provides specialized care and counseling. A professional administers medications and fluids via IV lines, monitors reactions and vital signs, and provides mobility and hygiene assistance. He or she also provides support to doctors and surgeons during treatment procedures and informs patients about their conditions. Infusion nurses are most commonly found in general hospitals and emergency rooms, but they can also be found in assisted living facilities, surgical centers, and home health care companies.
When a physician determines that an IV is required, a nurse must first obtain the necessary equipment and supplies. He or she connects an IV tube to a pouch containing the correct amount of medication or fluid solution, finds a vein in the patient’s arm or leg, and inserts a needle. Once an IV is in place, the nurse double-checks that fluid is being dripped into the tube at the correct rate. He or she checks on patients frequently to ensure that they are comfortable and to change IV pouches when they become low.
In order to stabilize their bodies, patients admitted to hospitals frequently require IV medications and fluids. Patients with a variety of conditions, ranging from acute traumatic injuries to chronic illnesses, are cared for an infusion nurse. Some professionals specialize in working with people who have very specific needs, such as people who require blood transfusions or who are on dialysis. In a busy hospital, an infusion nurse may perform several dozen procedures in a single shift.
Nurses who work in assisted living communities and nursing homes are not as rushed as those who work in hospitals. They provide long-term care for the elderly and disabled, as well as changing IV lines and other common nursing tasks. An infusion specialist from a home health agency comes to clients’ homes to check on them and adjust medications as needed. He or she also instructs caregivers and family members on how to clean and adjust IV tubes on their own.
A bachelor’s degree, passing the registered nurse exam, and gaining experience in an entry-level position are usually required for becoming an infusion nurse. To earn registered infusion nurse credentials, a person may be required to take a specialized infusion nursing class or pass an additional exam, depending on the region or country in which they work. In general, qualified nurses are in high demand in a variety of settings. A dedicated worker may be able to advance to an administrative or clinical nurse supervisor position with experience and continued education.