IV Therapy & Blood Withdrawal for LVN

Approved by California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians

Approved Course Number: IB15113

IV Therapy & Blood Withdrawal

Course Number VN 550: This is a hybrid format 36-hour course consisting of (27) hours of lecture and nine (9) hours of clinical experience. The course is designed to safely enable the Licensed Vocational Nurse to initiate and maintain intravenous therapy in the clinical setting.

Methods of Instruction

Didactic Instruction Classroom: Videos, Powerpoint Presentations, Case Study Discussions, Course worksheets, Quizzes.
Clinical Instruction: Classroom lab with skills demonstration & equipment. Each student must complete a minimum of three individually supervised successful venipunctures and three individually supervised skin punctures (capillary blood withdrawal) on live human subjects. The standard completion time for this course is one week, excluding any holidays and vacation times.

Course Details

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

Discuss the structure and function of veins.
Identify the names and the locations of the veins most suitable for phlebotomy and cannulation/venipuncture.
Assemble equipment and supplies needed to collect blood and cannulation/venipuncture and discuss the correct use.
Demonstrate the steps in performing blood collection and cannulation/venipuncture procedures.
Assess the techniques and equipment used to minimize biohazard exposure in blood collection and cannulation/venipuncture.
Evaluate procedural errors in blood collection and cannulation/venipuncture and discuss remedies for each.
Differentiate complications associated with blood collection and cannulation/venipuncture and their effect on the quality of laboratory results.

IV Therapy and Blood Withdrawal Course Goals and Objectives

Objectives:

Recognize the role of the Registered Nurse and the Licensed Vocational Nurse in IV Therapy and Blood Withdrawal.
List factors that affect flow rates of IV solutions.
Describe the proper use of specific IV therapy, arterial puncture, and blood withdrawal equipment.
Initiate IV therapy, blood withdrawal, arterial puncture utilizing nursing precautions or patient safety.

Objectives:

Preparing the patient psychologically.
Differentiating between the types of skin puncture, venipunctures, and arterial devices and their appropriate uses.
Differentiating between skin puncture, arterial puncture, and venipunctures.
Preparing equipment properly and aseptically.
Selecting and correctly preparing the most appropriate vein for venipunctures, blood withdrawal, or arterial puncture.
Performing blood withdrawal utilizing skin puncture (vacutainer, butterfly, syringe), arterial puncture, or venipunctures.
Dressing site according to policy.
Documenting on the medical records.
Recognize complications related to blood withdrawal, arterial punctures, and venipunctures.
List the cause and differentiate clinical symptoms of electrolyte imbalances.
Identify the role of IV therapy and pH balance.
Differentiate actions, dosages, side effects, and nursing implications of specified intravenous solutions.
List the usual components of Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN).
Recognize safety techniques utilized in blood transfusions.
Recognize types of transfusion reactions.
Examine the differences between techniques used in adult and pediatric IV therapy.
Discuss situations related to IV therapy and legal implications.
Identify the safety precautions regarding administering IV fluids, withdrawing blood, and
testing adequate circulation about the arterial puncture site.

Who Should Apply?

Licensed LVNs and unlicensed LVN Students and New Grads
RNs, EMTs, Certified Phlebotomy Technicians, Oral Surgery Assistants, Dentists, MRI Technicians and other Healthcare Professionals

FAQs

Will I become certified upon completion of this program?

Yes, if you are an LVN or student LVN you will become certified (State of California BVNPT) after taking our course. For other healthcare providers, you will receive a Certificate of Completion.

Will this program allow me to get Continuing Education hours for renewing my license?

Yes, only if you are an LVN, licensed by the California BVNPT. LVNs receive 36 CE hours after completing the course. Other healthcare providers will not receive CEU and may not use the hours to renew their license.

I am an EMT or phlebotomist (CPT-1 or CPT-2). Can I take the class? Will I become certified in IV therapy, then be able to start IVs, infuse medications, and draw blood after completing the class?

Phlebotomists and EMTs may take the course, but will not become certified. Only LVNs can be certified. Phlebotomists and EMTs will receive a Certificate of Completion, showing knowledge and competency with IVBW skills.

What types of conditions are treated by IV therapy?

IV therapy is used within a large spectrum of treatments, such as those involving blood transfusions, types of cancers treatable with chemotherapy, ailments requiring antibiotics, and conditions eased with electrolyte or vitamin infusion

How much do IV Infusion Nurses Make?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that RNs in general earn a median annual salary of $75,330. Note: California RNs earn the highest salaries nationwide and travel infusion nurses may make more than other categories of infusion nurses.

Approved by California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians

Approved Course Number: IB15113