National IV Nurse Day
Essential members of the medical team, these healthcare heroes help patients receive critical medications and fluids.
Celebrate and recruit IV nurses while driving awareness of infusion therapy careers and professional development opportunities in healthcare.
- Thank-you campaigns targeting hospitals and healthcare facilities to recognize IV nurses and boost staff morale
- Career pathway content for nursing students and RNs exploring infusion therapy certification and specialization
- Partnership opportunities with the Infusion Nurses Society (INS) for educational webinars and professional recognition events
- Gift guides and appreciation bundles (coffee cards, nurse-themed merchandise) for healthcare employers to celebrate their IV nursing teams
Intravenous therapy can be traced as far back as the 17th century, when it started with the science of transfusing blood.
As the process evolved and the science developed into the 20th century, the job of IVs still fell onto doctors or medical students. But by the 1950s and 1960s, teams of nurses began to be trained to work in this specialty.
Today, IV infusion nurses must first become registered nurses (RNs) by completing a two-year or four-year nursing program and then earning a special intravenous certification. Their duties may include placing and managing various catheters and other infusion related devices.
In honor of the work that these important health care workers do, in 1980 the United States House of Representatives declared that January 25 would be celebrated annually as National IV Nurse Day.
Say Thank You to an IV Nurse
Those who have a friend, family member or neighbor who is an infusion therapy or IV nurse may want to go out of the way to thank them for the work that they do for people in need. Perhaps, for those who have personally benefited from an IV nurse, it might even be appropriate to give them a little greeting card or even a small gift, such as a gift card for a cup of coffee or a special nurse themed t-shirt or carryall bag.
Check Out the Infusion Nurses Society (INS) Website
One organization that strongly supports National IV Nurse Day is the Infusion Nurses Society (INS). This international non profit organization represents and supports those nurses who function specifically in the infusion therapy specialty. Each year, the INS encourages the celebration of the day with tips and ideas, as well as promo videos for helping to raise awareness for the day.
Become an IV Nurse
Those who are interested in working in the field of health care might be interested in getting the education and experience required to become an IV Nurse. Following the completion of a Registered Nurse program, it is necessary to also complete a certification for an intravenous nurse. Since health care workers continue to be in high demand, this might be a great option for a career choice in a solid, rewarding profession.