vcc.ca
HLTH 1403: IV Therapy and Insertion
Effective date
February 2022
Department
Allied Health
School
Continuing Studies
Description
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
Credits
0.0
Year of study
Continuing Professional Development
Prerequisites
None
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe the role of the nurse in IV therapy, including scope of practice for IV therapy
- Identify indications for IV therapy
- Describe the anatomy and physiology of the vascular system
- Apply principles of infection control
- Identify types of intravenous solutions
- Explain the advantages and disadvantages of IV therapy
- Identify approaches to take to prevent, detect and minimize complications
- Prepare an infusion according to a healthcare professional’s orders and employer policies and procedures
- Prepare equipment and select appropriate insertion site for prescribed therapy
- Practice venipuncture (under supervision) on a training arm
- Explain calculations related to IV therapy
- Document appropriate information in the patient’s progress notes
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 3
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 4
Total Hours: 7
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 4
Total Hours: 7
Instructional Strategies
Grading System
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory
Passing grade
Full attendance, in-class written exam, and successful completion of practical skills checklist
Evaluation Plan
None
Course topics
- 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
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.