Duties

• Infusion nurses administer prescribed medications. They administer blood and nutritional fluids intravenously -- into the veins -- using injections or catheters. Infusion nurses assess the aftertreatment condition of patients. Such nurses analyze drug behaviors and predict drug interactions and their impact on patients. Infusion nurses work with registered nurses (RNs) to design therapy plans for patients. Instructing patients and family members or other caregivers on proper at-home care procedures following treatment also falls under their job description. Infusion nurses provide emotional support to patients and caregivers.
  
  

Qualifications

• Candidates must hold a license as an RN in states where they administer patient care. Obtaining an RN license requires completing an accredited nursing education program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination. Candidates must complete a bachelor's degree, such as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing; an associate degree, such as an Associate Degree in Nursing; or a diploma program, in nursing, to become eligible for the RN licensure exam.
  
  

Preferred Job Skills

• Besides technical expertise, infusion nurses need several soft skills. Infusion nurses must have good organization skills. Meticulous attention to details is crucial while monitoring the effects of therapy on patients. Good communication skills to interact with patients, peers and doctors are important. Patience and active listening are important to handle patients and their emotions.
  
  

Some Infusion Therapy Facts

• Doctors recommend infusion therapy when the patient's condition fails to respond to oral drug treatment. In infusion therapy, doctors or nurses use needles or catheters to send drugs into the patient's body. Infections that resist oral antibiotic administration, gastrointestinal abnormalities and cancer are some medical conditions for which doctors prescribe infusion therapy.