IV Therapy and Insertion

This course is designed to prepare the Registered and Licensed Practical Nurse (RN/LPN) to initiate and maintain peripheral intravenous infusions. Through a combination of theory instruction and lab practice, students will develop their skills in IV insertion and maintenance, learn how to minimize patient discomfort and complications and increase insertion success rates. Students will gain knowledge in locating sites, selecting equipment, insertion, adjusting flow rates, identifying complications, and selecting interventions for the adult patient receiving IV therapy. After successful completion of this course, students are expected to develop proficiency in these skills with clinical mentorship and experience in their health care facility. When aspects of care or skill are beyond the nurse’s level of competence, it is the nurse’s responsibility to seek education and/or supports needed for that care setting (British Columbia College of Nurses & Midwives).

Required supplies: Students must purchase the required Student IV Therapy Kit from the VCC Broadway Bookstore prior to the class, as the Bookstore is not open on Saturdays. Students can purchase the kit online: https://broadway.store.vcc.ca/, or call the Bookstore directly for store hours 778-783-5033.

Required: Current BC RN/RPN/LPN Licensure

Prerequisites

What you will learn

• The Role of the Nurse in Intravenous Therapy
• The Indications for IV Therapy
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Infection Control
• Types of Solutions
• Advantages and Disadvantages of IV Therapy
• Complication Prevention and Management
• Preparing Equipment
• Preparing/Establishing an Infusion
• Maintenance of an Intravenous Infusion
• Calculations Related to IV Therapy
• Maintenance of Saline Locks
• Patient documentation

How to register

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

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.