DSCC to Offer IV Therapy Certification Course for LPNs

Dyersburg State Community College Division of Workforce Development and Continuing Education will offer an in-person IV Therapy Certification Course for current Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in January 2022. Each class is mandatory and will meet Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday beginning January 3 through January 6 and Monday and Tuesday, January 10-11 from 8am-5pm. Classes will meet on the Dyersburg campus, in the Security Bank Community Learning Center, located at 401 Country Club Road.

The IV Therapy Certification Course is developed from the Infusion Nurse Society Standards with a required 40 hours of study. The cost of the course is $400 per person. Students are required to upload a copy of the LPN license and proof of six months’ work experience in the medical field during registration. Online registration is open now. Students must register by the deadline of December 17 at 5 p.m. at https://dscc_ivtherapy.eventbrite.com/.

This course introduces students to basic concepts in IV Therapy. Topics addressed include selection and use of IV equipment, patient identification, site selection and preparation. The proper procedure for performing IV Therapy, and skin puncture will be taught in a simulated environment. The student will practice proper IV techniques on model training arms. The course is a 40-hour non-credit continuing education certificate program.

Upon successful completion of the course students will be able to list specific measures that will protect against malpractice suits; describe the differences in a vein and artery; list the veins used to deliver peripheral IV therapy in adults and older adults; state the signs, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of nerve damage related to IV therapy; describe the signs, symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention of hyper/hypovolemia; state the causes and treatments of electrolyte imbalances; describe how each solution: isotonic, hypotonic, and hypertonic, affect the recipient; identify methods of fluid regulation; list external factors that can influence the rate of flow; demonstrate the correct calculation of an IV flow rate; identify methods of infection control related to IV therapy; state the appropriate peripheral device for the treatment ordered; list the three types of peripheral devices; list the veins to avoid peripheral access in the adult and older adult; identify complications of IV therapy including cause, prevention, and treatment; list the components of accurate and complete documentation of IV procedures and complications; and list the comprehensive assessment criteria for IV therapy.

For more information, contact Rodney Alford, director for workforce development and continuing education, at 731-286-3265 or alford@dscc.edu.