What Is an Infusion RN and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

An infusion RN is a type of nurse who specializes in giving intravenous fluids to patients. In this career, you typically work in the surgical unit of a hospital doing infusion therapy and checking on patient's IVs to ensure you are giving the proper amount of medication and fluids to each patient. An infusion RN is more than just a nurse. You are a patient advocate and a resource for patients and their families. You ensure that intravenous therapy is the correct option for the patient and choose the correct infusion device to manage that therapy. As an infusion RN, you can work in any medical practice where IV therapy occurs.

In order to become an infusion nurse, you first must complete an accredited nursing program to obtain a nursing license. You can earn your bachelor's of science in nursing or your associate degree in nursing, but the BSN option gives you more opportunities in the industry. Most nurses learn intravenous care on the job, but many employers include certification as one of their top qualifications. Certification and on the job training are best when completed together. Pediatric, geriatric, and oncological care are the best areas in which to learn the skills associated with intravenous care.

The medical field is growing every day, and general RN jobs are expected to grow by 15% in the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Since 90% of patients who visit the hospital for illness or injury receive some type of infusion therapy, it's apparent that infusion RN jobs are going to grow in line with this prediction. Infusion nurses work in all aspects of the healthcare industry, including in-home care, so jobs in this area are in demand even outside of the hospital. Even nursing homes need infusion nurses on staff for therapies.

Other than the additional certification that you can earn to become an infusion RN, there are a few skills that help you to complete the responsibilities for the role successfully. Communication skills are the most important skills for any nurse, as you need to be able to understand the therapies ordered by doctors and explain the therapies to patients and their families. Empathy is another skill that you need to master as an infusion RN. Other skills that help infusion nurses to complete their duties are interpersonal skills, attention to detail, physical endurance, and emotional stability.