What does an Infusion Nurse do?

Infusion Nurses work in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, patients’ homes and specialty medical offices to administer IV therapy. The types of treatments they administer depend on the setting. For an oncology office, the Infusion RN job description might include chemotherapy administration, for instance. In long-term care facilities, the Infusion Nurse might supply patients with IV nutrition, fluids for hydration or medications.

They care for patients before, during and after the treatments. The Infusion Nurse begins with a patient assessment to help create an appropriate care plan. They might draw blood or take other specimens for lab testing as part of the treatment. During the treatment, they monitor the flow of medication and watch for adverse effects. If the patient has complications, the Nurse responds to the urgent situation and alerts the rest of the care team. Calming patients and educating them on the procedure also go into the role.

Infusion Nurse skills and qualifications

Successful Infusion Nurses come into the field with specific skills that enable them to perform their duties well. Consider the following skills and qualifications for your Infusion Nurse job description:

• The ability to insert and manage intravenous catheters and access ports precisely and safely
• In-depth knowledge of infusion therapy, medications and patient care
• Expertise using infusion equipment like IV pumps
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Interpersonal skills, compassion and patient care skills to educate patients and caregiver about procedures and post-infusion care
• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy for proper dosing and treatment
• Experience with electronic health recordsTeamwork and collaboration

Infusion Nurse experience requirements

An IV Therapy Nurse job description often specifies a minimum amount of experience in nursing and infusion therapy. Some Infusion Nurse positions with basic responsibilities may allow candidates who are new to the nursing field. Positions with advanced responsibilities and minimal supervision might require two years or more of experience. Some organizations prefer candidates with experience in specific types of IV therapy. For example, an oncology unit might require Infusion Nurses to work previously administering chemotherapy.

Infusion Nurse education and training requirements

Infusion Nurses need a minimum of an associate degree in nursing. Some organizations might require or prefer a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Some Infusion Nurses go on to earn a master’s degree in nursing, but it’s not typically required for the role. They must also pass the state licensing exam for Nurses and maintain that licensure, which typically requires continuing education classes.

Candidates typically receive on-the-job training in infusion therapy after becoming a Registered Nurse. The Certified Registered Nurse Infusion credential through the Infusion Nurses Certification Corporation is an optional certification that can demonstrate additional expertise in the field.

Job description samples for similar positions

If an Infusion Nurse job description isn’t what you need, consider these similar job descriptions:

• Registered Nurse
• Oncology Nurse
• Nurse Practitioner
• Nursing Supervisor

Infusion Nurse job description FAQs

Do the duties of an Infusion Nurse differ from other Nurses?

Many of the duties overlap between an Infusion RN job description and other Nurse roles. This includes taking patient histories, assessing patients, working with other medical professionals and educating patients. Infusion Nurses spend a large part of the days administering fluids intravenously. Nurses in other specialty areas might also administer IV medications, but they typically have a wide range of other patient care duties as well.

What makes a good Infusion Nurse?

Because patients receiving infusion therapy often face serious medical conditions, good Infusion Nurses are often compassionate and sensitive to the difficulty of the situation. They know how to comfort patients and ease their concerns. A commitment to safety is also important, as even a minor mistake in dosing or medications can have catastrophic effects on the patients. Successful Infusion Nurses are able to maintain busy schedules without making patients feel rushed.

What should you look for in an Infusion Nurse resume?

Review your required and preferred qualifications on your Infusion Nurse job description to cross-reference as you review resumes. Previous experience with administering IV therapy is a sign of a competent candidate. You might also look for work in a similar medical setting as your facility. Additional internships and certifications in infusion therapy or chemotherapy indicate advanced knowledge.