(SWEETWATER, Texas) – Many overnight hospital stays require patients to have IV therapy.
It takes time to earn an IV therapy certification, but Texas State Technical College’s Vocational Nursing program has found a way to help its students earn it as part of the curriculum. Students in Breckenridge, Harlingen and Sweetwater now have the opportunity to train and become IV therapy certified when they graduate.
“Licensed vocational nurses in Texas can perform IV therapy only if they’ve received specific, board-approved training, which is exactly what this certification provides that is now included in our program curriculum,” said Jamie Mears, TSTC’s director of alignment for Vocational Nursing. “This certification helps increase job opportunities for our students, as well as enhances clinical skills, improves patient care and opens the door to more advanced roles.”
Officials at Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital welcomed the certificated offering at the local campuses.
“Learning to start IVs is one of the most sought-after skills in nursing,” said Shawna Ham, a registered nurse of infusion therapy at the Sweetwater hospital. “You can carry it to any job or field in nursing. I am glad to hear that TSTC is going to offer this certification.”
Students learn the fundamental principles and hands-on skills necessary for safe IV therapy, including venipuncture techniques, proper site selection, infection control practices and equipment setup.
“Students also learn how to calculate IV flow rates, recognize potential complications and apply critical thinking to ensure patient safety during IV therapy,” said Lindsay Sanders, a Vocational Nursing instructor in Sweetwater. “An emphasis is placed on both the technical skill of insertion and the clinical judgment required for safe practice.”
Talya Thomas, a third-semester student from Abilene, said she was pleased that TSTC is offering the certification on campus.
“We did some of the training during our second semester by getting all of the steps down,” she said. “The certification, along with everything we will learn, will make each of us the best nurse we can be.”
Sanders said the students have been willing to learn.
“All of the students are able to successfully insert IVs under supervision,” she said. “Their professionalism, willingness to learn and ability to apply feedback are commendable, and I believe they are progressing appropriately toward competency.”
To learn more about TSTC, visit tstc.edu.