IV Therapy Certification Course For LVN’s
You don’t need to complete an IV certification course to become an LVN, but the truth is that there are still many employers who favor applicants that do have it. In fact, a lot of employers, including Long Term Care Facilities, perform Infusion Therapy on some of their patients and this certification will come in handy when applying for a job. There are going to be MASSIVE changes as the Affordable Healthcare Act kicks in, and the pressure to keep costs down accelerates.
However, the real question here is whether you need to be an LVN in order to be able to attend a IV certification course. Well, the answer to that is short and simple: No, you don’t. Just make sure that whichever IV certification program in Bakersfield you take has been approved by California’s Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT). The full list is available HERE. In order to be approved by the BVNPT, the course must be at least 36 hours. Most IV certification courses in Kern County are 3 days long, 12 hours each day.
As you know, becoming an LVN takes a lot of dedication and a lot of hard work. Since you’ve worked extremely hard in order to become one or thinking of becoming one, taking an IV Therapy Certification Course will add to your skills. In the majority of states, you don’t actually need to get a special certification to be able to perform Intravenous therapy. In states that DO require a certification, there are 2 essential requirements that you need to meet:
Having The Right Education
If you’re currently in an LVN program, are already a Licensed Vocational Nurse, or are simply thinking of becoming one, you’re in a great position. This is because the majority of healthcare workers like CNA’s, Med Techs, EMT’s (with the exception of Paramedics), Medical Assistants, and so on, aren’t allowed to start IV’s. In California, once you’ve completed an approved 36 hour IV certification program you’ll be allowed to start IV’s. Part of the reason for that is, the LVN curriculum incorporates several infusion therapy principles. With further education that is generally appreciated by employers, you’ll gain the competency and knowledge required to qualify as an LVN to administer Intravenous Therapy.
Demonstration of Competency
The second requirement for LVN’s that want to be able to perform Intravenous therapy is proper demonstration of competency. What this means is that during the 36 hour certification class, your skills are going to be performed under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or Medical Doctor (Most certification classes it’s an RN). You’ll be showing that you have the appropriate therapy skills and knowledge. It’s at this point that you’ll finally be able to put to good use all the information and experienced you’ve gained while taking the Intravenous certification class.