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Infusion Nurse

Role of the Infusion Nurse in the Management of Rheumatic Diseases

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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.

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