Infusion nurses concentrate their attention on medication and fluid administration through an intravenous (IV) line, a central line, or a venous access channel. Ensuring that patients receive the correct IV for the prescribed care, choosing and handling the necessary supplies, maintaining arterial catheters, evaluating the patient’s reaction to intravenous therapy and monitoring any effects of the drug are all of the infusion nurse’s key duties. Such nurses must be skilled in performing venipuncture, possess thorough pharmacological knowledge, have excellent reporting skills, be aware of proper procedure for infection control and have steady hands in order to be successful at their work.

Infusion nursing starts with graduation in nursing and being certified. After that has been completed, a minimum of 1 year experience in the area of infusion nursing is required before being able to obtain the CRNI certification. Geriatrics, oncology, pre-and post-operative surgical units, pediatrics, and intensive care units are areas of medicine that can allow nurses greater access to intravenous expertise.