What Does an Infusion Nurse Do?
Find out what an infusion nurse does, how to get this job, and what it takes to succeed as an infusion nurse.
An infusion nurse is a specialized type of nurse who specializes in administering intravenous (IV) medications and fluids to patients. They are trained to administer these treatments safely and effectively, as well as monitor the patient’s vital signs during and after treatment.
Infusion nurses may work in any number of settings, from hospitals to private clinics to home health agencies. Regardless of where they work, their job is to ensure that all patients receive the best possible care while receiving an IV infusion.
Infusion Nurse Job Duties
Infusion nurses have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:
- Administering medications through an IV line, using specialized medical knowledge to select the appropriate dosage and delivery method
- Observing patients for signs of infection or other complications in order to intervene early with treatment
- Educating patients on their condition, treatment plan, medications being administered, etc.
- Recording patient information including vital signs, symptoms, and responses to treatment
- Collecting and testing samples of blood, urine, spinal fluid, or other bodily fluids for diagnostic purposes
- Preparing equipment and supplies for infusion therapy and monitoring patients during infusions
- Maintaining accurate records of patient care activities, treatments provided, test results, and other relevant information
- Monitoring patient comfort level throughout the infusion to ensure that they are tolerating the treatment well
- Performing general nursing duties such as taking patients’ vital signs, bathing patients, and assisting them with personal hygiene tasks
Infusion Nurse Salary & Outlook
Infusion nurses’ salaries vary depending on their level of education and experience, the company size and geographic location.
- Median Annual Salary: $82,500 ($39.66/hour)
- Top 10% Annual Salary: $115,000 ($55.29/hour)
The employment of infusion nurses is expected to grow faster than average over the next decade.
As the large baby-boom population ages, more people will need treatment for chronic conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension. In addition, technological advances have led to new types of treatments that require specialized knowledge to administer.
Related: Infusion Nurse Interview Questions and Answers
Infusion Nurse Job Requirements
There are a number of qualifications required to obtain a position as an infusion nurse. They include:
Education: All infusion nurses are required to have at least a bachelor’s degree. The most common majors for infusion nurses are nursing, pre-nursing and health care. Some programs offer a nursing degree with a specialization in infusion therapy.
Many employers prefer to hire candidates who have a master’s degree in nursing. This degree takes about two years to complete and includes coursework in pharmacology, anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology.
Training & Experience: Most infusion nurses receive on-the-job training from their employers. This training may last for a few weeks to a few months and may include shadowing another infusion nurse or an RN. The training may also include learning about the facility’s policies and procedures, the equipment they use and the software they use to track patient information.
Certifications & Licenses: Infusion nurses are required to be certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ACLS). These certifications require the nurse to complete a basic or advanced first aid course and pass a test in cardiopulizing resuscitation and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Infusion Nurse Skills
Infusion nurses need the following skills in order to be successful:
Communication: Communication is another important skill for an infusion nurse. You must be able to communicate with patients, other medical professionals and patients’ families. You must also be able to communicate complex medical information in a way that is easy for patients to understand.
Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. As an infusion nurse, empathy is an important skill to have when interacting with patients. You may need to explain treatment plans to patients and their families, answer questions and provide emotional support.
Compassion: Compassion is the ability to feel empathy for others and act accordingly. As an infusion nurse, compassion is an important skill to have because you may be caring for patients who are experiencing a variety of health issues. You can use compassion to help you connect with patients and make them feel comfortable.
Organization: As an infusion nurse, you may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices and patients’ homes. Regardless of the setting, you should be able to keep your work area organized. This can help you complete your duties efficiently and ensure you don’t lose any important documents or supplies.
Technological skills: The ability to use technology is an important skill for an infusion nurse. They may use computers to enter patient information, track treatment plans and monitor the status of patients. They may also use technology to communicate with other medical professionals.
Infusion Nurse Work Environment
Infusion nurses work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, physician offices, and home care agencies. They may work full time or part time, and their hours may vary depending on the needs of their patients. Many infusion nurses work on an on-call basis, which means they are available to work at any time, day or night. Infusion nurses must be able to work well under pressure and handle a variety of tasks simultaneously. They must be able to make quick decisions and be comfortable working with potentially life-threatening situations.
Infusion Nurse Trends
Here are three trends influencing how infusion nurses work. Infusion nurses will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.
The Need for More Specialized Nurses
The healthcare industry is rapidly evolving, and one of the most significant changes is the increasing demand for specialized nurses. This trend is being driven by a number of factors, including an aging population, advances in technology, and a greater focus on patient satisfaction.
As a result, infusion nurses will need to be able to specialize in order to meet the needs of their patients. This may include learning new technologies, developing relationships with suppliers, or becoming certified in specific areas.
Patient Education Becomes Even More Important
As patients become more educated about their health care options, they are looking for nurses who can provide them with the information they need to make informed decisions. This means that infusion nurses will need to be skilled in patient education, as well as in the administration of medications.
In addition, infusion nurses will need to be able to communicate effectively with other members of the healthcare team, such as doctors and pharmacists, in order to ensure that all aspects of patient care are being addressed.
More Collaboration Between Nursing Specialties
As the healthcare industry becomes increasingly complex, there is an increased need for collaboration between nursing specialties. This is particularly true in the area of infusion therapy, where nurses from different backgrounds are needed to work together to provide safe and effective care for patients.
Infusion nurses can capitalize on this trend by becoming familiar with the skills and responsibilities of other nursing specialties. This will allow them to work more effectively with other nurses and provide better care for patients.
How to Become an Infusion Nurse
An infusion nurse has a unique and rewarding career path. They can specialize in different areas of nursing, such as oncology, critical care, or end-of-life care. They can also move into leadership roles within the nursing field.
No matter what stage of your career you’re at, there are always ways to expand your knowledge and skills. Take advantage of continuing education opportunities and attend conferences that focus on infusion nursing. Network with other nurses who work in the same area as you do, and share best practices and ideas for improving patient care.
Advancement Prospects
Infusion nurses have a few avenues for advancement. Many infusion nurses start their careers in entry-level positions, such as staff nurse or registered nurse. With experience, they may move into more advanced positions, such as clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, or nurse anesthetist. Some infusion nurses may also move into management positions, such as nurse manager or director of nursing.
Infusion nurses who wish to advance their careers may want to consider getting additional education, such as a master’s degree in nursing. With further education, infusion nurses can qualify for more advanced positions, such as nurse educator or nurse researcher.
Infusion Nurse Job Description Example
At [CompanyX], we provide our patients with the highest quality of care possible. We are looking for an infusion nurse to join our team and provide expert care to our patients. The ideal candidate will have experience administering IV therapy and other treatments, as well as experience caring for patients with a variety of medical conditions. He or she will be compassionate, patient, and detail-oriented, with the ability to provide excellent customer service. The infusion nurse will be responsible for the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of nursing care for patients receiving infusion therapy.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Perform all aspects of patient care in an infusion setting, including but not limited to: starting IVs, administering medications and treatments, monitoring patients for reactions, and providing education and support
- Maintain a clean and safe working environment by adhering to infection control policies and procedures
- Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to develop and implement individualized care plans
- Educate patients and families on disease process, treatment plan, side effects, and expected outcomes
- Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of reaction and intervene as necessary
- Administer prescribed medications and therapies according to established protocols
- Document all aspects of nursing care, patient response, and changes in condition
- Keep abreast of new developments in infusion nursing through continued education and professional development opportunities
- Serve as a resource to other nurses and health care professionals
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives
- Supervise and delegate tasks to Infusion Therapy Assistants and Licensed Practical Nurses
- Perform all duties in accordance with state and federal regulations
Required Skills and Qualifications
- Registered nurse with valid state license
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing or related field
- 2+ years of experience as an RN, preferably in infusion nursing
- IV certification from accredited program
- CPR/BLS certification
- Thorough understanding of infection control practices
Preferred Skills and Qualifications
- 4+ years of experience as an RN, preferably in infusion nursing
- Master’s degree in nursing or related field
- ONC certification
- ACLS certification
- PICC line insertion certification
