IV Therapy & Blood Withdrawal for LVN
December 1, 2023 2026-03-21 23:54IV Therapy & Blood Withdrawal for LVN
Approved by California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians
Approved Course Number: IB15113
IV Therapy & Blood Withdrawal
Intravenous Therapy Certification
This 36-hour hybrid course consists of 27 hours of didactic instruction and 9 hours of clinical training. The course is designed to prepare the Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) to safely initiate and maintain intravenous (IV) therapy in a clinical setting, in accordance with applicable standards of practice.
Methods of Instruction
Didactic Instruction: Delivered through a combination of lectures, instructional videos, PowerPoint presentations, case study discussions, course worksheets, and quizzes to reinforce learning and competency.
Clinical Instruction: Conducted in a supervised skills lab environment with hands-on demonstrations and use of clinical equipment. Each student is required to successfully complete a minimum of three (3) supervised venipunctures and three (3) supervised skin punctures (capillary blood withdrawal) on live human subjects.
The standard completion time for this course is one week, excluding holidays and scheduled breaks.
Course Details
Upon completion of the course:
Students will develop a strong foundation in the structure and function of veins while learning to accurately identify optimal sites for phlebotomy and venipuncture. The course provides hands-on training in assembling and properly using equipment, performing blood collection procedures with precision, and applying best practices to minimize biohazard exposure.
Learners will also build critical thinking skills by evaluating procedural errors, implementing corrective actions, and recognizing potential complications that may impact patient safety and laboratory result accuracy—preparing them for safe, confident, and competent clinical practice.
IV Therapy and Blood Withdrawal Course Goals and Objectives
Students will gain the knowledge and clinical skills necessary to safely perform IV therapy and blood withdrawal procedures. Upon completion, students will be able to:
- Understand the roles of the Registered Nurse (RN) and Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in IV therapy and blood withdrawal
- Identify factors affecting IV flow rates and fluid administration
- Properly select, prepare, and use equipment for IV therapy, venipuncture, skin puncture, and arterial puncture
- Prepare patients both psychologically and physically for procedures
- Demonstrate safe and aseptic techniques when initiating IV therapy and performing blood withdrawal
- Accurately select and prepare appropriate veins for venipuncture and related procedures
- Perform blood collection using vacutainer, butterfly, syringe, and arterial puncture techniques
- Apply proper post-procedure care, including site dressing and documentation
- Recognize and manage complications related to IV therapy and blood withdrawal procedures
- Identify electrolyte imbalances, IV fluid types, pH balance, and nursing implications
- Describe components of Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) and safe administration practices
- Recognize safety protocols for blood transfusions and identify potential transfusion reactions
- Differentiate IV therapy techniques for adult and pediatric patients
- Understand legal and safety considerations related to IV therapy and patient care
Who Should Apply?
This course is designed for Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs), LVN students, and new graduates, as well as other healthcare professionals including Registered Nurses (RNs), EMTs, Certified Phlebotomy Technicians (CPTs), oral surgery assistants, dentists, MRI technicians, and individuals seeking to expand their clinical skills in IV therapy.
FAQs
Will I become certified after completing the program?
LVNs or student LVNs may become BVNPT-certified upon completion. Other healthcare providers will receive a Certificate of Completion.
Will I receive Continuing Education (CE) hours?
Yes, LVNs licensed by the California BVNPT receive 36 CE hours. CE hours are not applicable for other healthcare providers.
Can EMTs or Phlebotomists take the course?
Yes, EMTs and CPT-1/CPT-2 phlebotomists may enroll; however, only LVNs are eligible for certification. Others will receive a Certificate of Completion demonstrating IV therapy competency.
What conditions are treated with IV therapy?
IV therapy is used for treatments such as hydration, electrolyte replacement, antibiotics, blood transfusions, and chemotherapy support.
How much do IV infusion nurses earn?
Registered Nurses earn a median salary of approximately $75,330 annually, with higher earnings in California and for travel infusion nurses.
References:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025). Registered nurses. Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm
California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. (2024). Continuing education requirements. https://www.bvnpt.ca.gov
Infusion Nurses Society. (2021). Infusion therapy standards of practice. Journal of Infusion Nursing, 44(1S Suppl 1), S1–S224. https://doi.org/10.1097/NAN.0000000000000396
