Peripheral Intravenous Therapy

Course code HLTH 1407

Credit 0.0

Length 14.0 hours

Course outline View

Take your IV skills to the next level with this hands-on, high-impact course designed specifically for healthcare professionals. Whether you're new to initiating and maintaining peripheral intravenous infusions or looking to sharpen your technique, this course delivers the knowledge, confidence, and practical experience you need. Taught by expert instructors, this course brings real-world insights and the most up-to-date curriculum to students.

Through a blend of self-paced online learning, interactive in-person learning and hands-on practice, students will master the essentials of PIVC care—from patient prep and site selection to successful insertion.

With a focus on patient safety, the key topics include preparing patients for PIVC insertion, locating IV sites, selecting equipment, performing insertions, preparing patients for PIVC insertion, and managing complications for adult patients.

Upon successful completion of this course, students are expected to achieve proficiency in these skills through clinical mentorship and practical experience in their healthcare facilities. Practicioners must seek additional education and support when aspects of care exceed their competence level and scope of practice. Healthcare Professionals are required to consult and adhere to the guidelines of their respective licensing and registration bodies.

Please note: this course is not suitable for nurses working in long-term care.

Prerequisites

Students must be Registered Nurses (RNs), Registered Psychiatric Nurses (RPNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Nurse Practitioners (NPs), or Naturopathic Doctors (NDs). New LPN and RN graduates are welcome to register in this course.

Missing prerequisites?

Learn more about VCC's academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.

What you will learn

  • Introduction to IV therapy
    Anatomy and physiology of the vascular system
    Indications and contraindications for IV Therapy
    Types of intravenous solutions
    Infection control and aseptic technique
    Equipment selection and preparation
    IV insertion techniques
    Infusing IV fluid via gravity and on a pump
    Identifying and managing complications
    Documentation and legal Considerations

How to register

This course is offered as part of a VCC program only.

Course schedules

Select your program to see the available course schedules.

Contact us

If you have any question, please email at advising@vcc.ca.

† This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.

Indigenous Territory Acknowledgment

VCC is located on the traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples, and we acknowledge our privilege to be here.