Become an Infusion Nurse in 3 Steps
nfusion Nurse FAQs
Infusion nurses administer treatments via intravenous catheters, midline catheters, central venous catheters, and ports. Education plays a key role in this profession, with nurses often instructing patients and caregivers on catheter and port care, proper medication administration after discharge, and how to recognize warning signs.
Infusion nurses provide medications such as:
- Chemotherapy
- Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN)
- Antibiotics
- Steroids
- Fluid and electrolyte solutions
- Cardiac medications
- Biologics
The daily tasks of an infusion nurse depend on their work environment. Some work in hospitals, others in outpatient infusion centers, or primarily provide home care. In a home setting, infusion nurses inspect lines for functionality and infection, perform dressing changes, collect lab samples, and administer medications. They also assess the patient for complications and provide guidance on line care, self-medication, and symptom recognition.
Infusion nurses working in hospitals or outpatient centers deliver medications, monitor for adverse reactions, perform dressing changes, and educate patients about side effects and home medication administration.
Infusion nursing is fulfilling due to the wide range of conditions it addresses. Infusion nurses may work with patients suffering from:
- Various cancers
- Cardiac conditions
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Crohn’s disease
- Rheumatoid conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoporosis
- Dehydration
- Anemia
Work Settings for Infusion Nurses
Infusion nurses practice in multiple settings, including:
- Outpatient clinics
- Primary care offices
- Home health agencies
- Specialized hospital infusion units
- Oncology departments
- Medical spas
- Palliative and hospice care
Some infusion units operate continuously, while others follow a traditional Monday to Friday schedule, offering a conventional work routine for those seeking it.
Infusion nurses may choose to work as generalists or specialize in fields like oncology or rheumatology. IV skills and medication management expertise are required in several nursing specialties, including:
- Critical care
- Emergency care
- Surgical nursing
- Oncology nursing
- Dialysis nursing
- Rheumatology nursing
How to Become an Infusion Nurse
To become an infusion nurse, you must complete an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), pass the NCLEX-RN, and gain nursing experience. Although an ADN is sufficient for licensure, many employers prefer BSN-qualified nurses due to the enhanced critical thinking and problem-solving training a BSN provides.
A BSN can be earned through a standard four-year program or an Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program for individuals with a bachelor’s degree in another field, allowing completion in 16-24 months. Alternatively, an RN-to-BSN bridge program enables nurses to work while completing their degree.
After passing the NCLEX-RN, nurses can apply for state licensing and seek employment.
Qualifications and Continuing Education
Infusion nurses need a thorough understanding of peripheral, midline, and central venous catheters, along with potential complications. Proficiency in pharmacology and patient education is essential and can best be acquired through years of bedside nursing experience. Continuing education in areas like:
- Central venous catheter management
- Intravenous medication therapy
- Pharmacology
- Sterile dressing changes
- Lab interpretation
- Patient education
Shadowing an experienced infusion nurse provides practical insights. Many infusion nurses start in hospital bedside roles, honing IV/CVC and medication skills before specializing. Bedside roles offer strong foundations in patient education and medication management, both crucial for a successful infusion nursing career.
Certifications for Infusion Nurses
The primary certification for infusion nurses is the Certified Registered Nurse Infusion (CRNI) exam, which requires an active RN license and 1,600 hours of infusion nursing experience within the last two years. Other relevant certifications include:
- Blood & Marrow Transplant Certified Nurse (BMTCN)
- Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN)
Salary Expectations and Career Prospects
The demand for nurses is rising due to an aging population, and this has led to a growing need for infusion nurses. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% growth in nursing jobs from 2021 to 2031. On average, nurses earn about $82,750 annually. Infusion nurses earn around $86,870, with experienced certified nurses earning more than $96,000. Salaries vary by location and employer.
Many nurses are drawn to infusion nursing for its reliable schedule and less chaotic pace compared to hospital shifts. The flexibility in work settings is a significant benefit, especially in home health or outpatient clinics, where nurses enjoy close patient interaction and high job satisfaction.
As you advance in your career, consider pursuing academic or managerial roles. Joining professional organizations like:
Additionally, subscribing to The Journal of Infusion Nursing provides valuable resources for further growth and development.
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FAQs
- What is an infusion nurse?
An infusion nurse specializes in administering treatments through peripheral IVs and various central venous catheters like PICC lines, midlines, and ports. - What conditions do infusion nurses treat?
Infusion nurses treat a range of conditions, including cancers, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, dehydration, nutritional deficiencies, and anemia. - How much do infusion nurses earn?
Infusion nurses typically earn $86,870 annually, with experienced certified nurses earning over $96,000.
