Infusion Nurse
Role of the Infusion Nurse in the Management of Rheumatic Diseases
The infusion nurse assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates nursing care for patients and their support team in an infusion setting.
What Does the Infusion Nurse Do?
- Correctly identifies the patient for infusion
- Inserts and monitors IV catheters
- Collects routine lab specimens
- Maintains equipment to be used with patients
- Assesses patients throughout the infusion for adverse reactions to the medication
- Documents medications, vital signs, and side effects in the medical record
- Educates self, staff, and patient family regarding all infusion medications and premeds
- Responds appropriately to side effects, adverse reactions, or anaphylaxis during infusion
- Obtains and maintains chemo certification if required by practice setting
The infusion nurse performs the following functions:
- Evaluates and manages patients within the infusion clinic through the use of nursing process
- Collaborates with the physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, and other members of the healthcare team
- Communicates patient history, current assessment findings, status, and response to care
- Supplements advanced nursing care through the performance of treatments and procedures as indicated
- Provides education to patients, the patient’s support team, and peers
Where Does the Infusion Nurse Work?
- Hospital
- Clinic (private practice, academic clinic)
- Home health
What Kind of Training Does an Infusion Nurse Have?
- Most infusion nurses are licensed professional nurses (LPNs) or registered nurses (RNs), depending on the setting.
- LPNs and RNs maintain state licensure and may have additional certification through national organizations.
- Continuing education is required for licensure and recommended for specific infusion knowledge.
- Infusion nurses work collaboratively with a rheumatologist, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant as part of a healthcare team.
This information is provided for general education only. Individuals should consult a qualified health care provider for professional medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment of a medical or health condition.