LPN IV Certification

This course is Iowa Board of Nursing Approved for LPNs in Iowa.

Students in this course will gain hands-on training and supervised practice in expanded IV therapy skills appropriate to the LPN scope of practice under Iowa regulations, including:

• Peripheral IV site assessment and ongoing site monitoring
• Safe initiation and management of peripheral IV therapy.
• Hanging and managing premixed IV fluids at fixed rates using infusion pumps
• Administration of premixed IV medications, including antibiotics and electrolyte-containing solutions, within defined limit
• Identification and response to IV complications such as infiltration, phlebitis, and infection
• Proper hub disinfection and line access techniques.
• Safe flushing techniques using push-pause method.
• Monitoring patient response to IV therapy and recognizing when to escalate concerns
• Communicating IV-related changes to the supervising RN or provider using SBAR
• Accurate and complete IV documentation, including solution, rate, site condition, and patient tolerance
• Applying age, weight, and facility-specific restrictions to IV decision-making
• Practicing vein preservation principles, especially in older adults and patients with fragile veins

Tuition $585

Applicants must:

• Hold a current, unrestricted Iowa LPN license
• Have at least 1,040 hours of practice as an LPN (within the last 12–24 months recommended)
• Be employed in, or assigned to practice in, a licensed hospital, licensed skilled nursing facility, or certified ESRD dialysis unit whose policies allow LPNs to perform expanded IV procedures
• Have basic competency in medication math and IV calculations
• Have access to a computer or tablet with reliable internet for the online modules

• Students must successfully complete lab-based skill validation
• Students must complete one of each required IV skill at their own facility under supervision
• A temporary certificate is issued upon course completion
• Students have 60 days to complete remaining skill check-offs to receive full certification