- Nursing
- Nursing specialties
- Infusion nurse
Infusion nurse
An infusion nurse administers medication and fluids through an intravenous (IV) line, ventral line or venous access port.
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Required education
ADN or BSN
Varied
Take on different tasks, patients, and situations every day.
Patient-facing
Work hands-on, directly with patients.
Structured
Follow a routine that allows you to anticipate and prepare for every situation.
Independent
Work on your own or even start your own practice, in some states.
What is the role of an infusion nurse?
You’ll be skilled in pharmacology, laboratory tests, and telemetry, and bring a steady hand and lots of patience to monitor patients through infusion therapy.
What you’ll do as an infusion nurse
Assessment
You’ll prevent and control infection by keeping a close eye on the insertion area.
Education
You’ll teach intravenous access and periphery central line insertion, and you’ll educate patients and their families on site, tubing and catheter management.
Infusions
You’ll perform blood transfusions, antibiotic infusions, steroid infusions, electrolyte infusions, vitamin infusions and more.
Treatment
You’ll administer medications and fluid therapy, monitor patients IV and medications and develop care plans.
Where you’ll work as an infusion nurse
Infusion nurses work in a variety of settings, including:
- Ambulatory infusions centers
- Hospitals
- Infusion centers
- Long-term care centers
- Nursing homes
- Patients’ homes
How to become an infusion nurse
Get an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
When considering a future nursing career, it’s important to explore the different nursing programs available and the paths they offer. With various options like associate degree programs, bachelor’s degree programs, and direct-entry master’s degree programs, prospective students can choose the educational path that best suits their goals and interests.
Pass the NCLEX-RN.
The National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) is the all-important step between graduating from nursing school and becoming a nurse. It’s a standardized test, set by the Board of Nursing in each state, that makes sure you have the knowledge and skills you need to work in the field of nursing.
Work as a Registered Nurse, gaining at least 1,600 hours in an infusion-related field.
Pass your Certified Registered Nurse Infusion exam through the Infusion Nurses Society.
You’re ready to work as an infusion nurse!
Infusion nurse career resources
Become a member of an infusion nurse organization to find career opportunities, learn from your colleagues, and support the profession.
Infusion Nurses Society
Infusion Nurses Society
Related nursing specialties
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A patient blood management nurse is part of the multidisciplinary care team focused on preserving and optimizing patient blood health through Patient Blood Management (PBM).
Hematology
A hematology nurse takes care of patients with blood disorders or diseases, such as hemophilia and leukemia.