IV Therapy
IV Therapy, or Intravenous Therapy, is a medical technique where medications, fluids, or nutrients are delivered directly into a patient's veins through a needle or catheter. This is a fundamental nursing skill that's essential in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. Nurses who specialize in IV therapy are responsible for inserting IVs, monitoring patients, managing infusion pumps, and ensuring proper medication delivery. It's similar to other specialized nursing skills like wound care or medication administration, but specifically focuses on the direct delivery of treatments through the bloodstream.
Examples in Resumes
Administered IV Therapy treatments to 20+ patients daily in busy emergency department
Certified in Intravenous Therapy with 5 years of experience in oncology unit
Led IV care team and trained new nurses in proper IV Therapy techniques
Typical job title: "IV Therapy Nurses"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find IV Therapy Nurses
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a difficult IV insertion situation in an understaffed unit?
Expected Answer: Should discuss prioritization skills, ability to mentor others, advanced techniques for difficult sticks, and when to call for additional support or different approaches.
Q: Describe how you would implement and oversee an IV therapy quality improvement program.
Expected Answer: Should explain experience with creating protocols, training staff, monitoring outcomes, and implementing best practices across departments.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What steps do you take to prevent IV-related infections?
Expected Answer: Should describe proper sterile technique, site care and monitoring, documentation requirements, and infection prevention protocols.
Q: How do you determine which type of IV access is most appropriate for different patients?
Expected Answer: Should discuss assessment of treatment duration, medication types, patient condition, and various catheter options available.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the steps for performing a basic IV insertion?
Expected Answer: Should be able to describe patient preparation, supply gathering, sterile technique, insertion process, and documentation requirements.
Q: What signs would indicate an IV needs to be removed or replaced?
Expected Answer: Should identify basic complications like infiltration, phlebitis, infection, and explain appropriate monitoring and intervention steps.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic IV insertion and management
- Understanding of infection control
- Vital signs monitoring
- Basic documentation skills
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex IV insertions
- Advanced medication administration
- Patient education
- Mentoring new nurses
Senior (5+ years)
- Department protocol development
- Staff training and supervision
- Quality improvement implementation
- Complex case management
Red Flags to Watch For
- No current IV certification or expired credentials
- Limited hands-on experience with IV insertions
- Poor understanding of infection control protocols
- Inability to describe proper documentation procedures
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