IV Nurse Day is celebrated every year on January 25 to recognize infusion nurses’ dedication

to the healthcare system and unique skills beyond administering fluids.

The day was commemorated in 1980 by the U.S. House of Representatives, and since then, many registered nurses have specialized in infusion therapy, with advocacy and continuing education growing in the field.

Learn more about infusion nurses and their crucial role in the health of others, and learn how to honor the infusion nurse in your area—whether that’s a coworker, family member, or friend.

What’s an Infusion Nurse? 

An infusion nurse, or IV nurse, administers all types of IV fluids, including medication and vitamins, into a patient’s bloodstream. They also provide nursing care that involves assessing a patient for side effects and documenting medications or vital signs in their medical records.

In other words, if you ever get dehydrated and need electrolytes or blood drawn, an IV nurse is likely to administer the infusion.

Even though registered nurses can start an IV, an infusion nurse has extensive knowledge of how to perform several kinds of IV therapies. These can include blood transfusions, antibiotic infusions, electrolyte infusions, and even chemotherapy, making them highly in demand in hospitals, infusion centers, and clinics.

Many IV nurses start as registered nurses and then earn a certification to become certified registered nurse infusion (CRNI). This can help them advance further in their careers and become experts in the field.

The Evolution and Impact of IV Nursing

IV nursing has come a long way since its early days in the 1900s. In the 1940s, nurses were allowed to administer infusions during World War II so more soldiers could recover faster since the practice was previously reserved for doctors. Plastics were introduced in IV therapy a decade later in hospitals, and over time technology has evolved to increase the accessibility of IV therapy in all areas of healthcare.

The switch from doctors to nurses administering IVs also led to the Infusion Nurses Society (INS) creation in 1973. The nonprofit represents infusion nurses and other clinicians engaged in infusion care and is dedicated to sharing that information with other healthcare professionals.

Because of their versatility to work with all types of patients, young and old, infusion nurses are very much needed today. They can help people with bacterial infections, cancer, and dehydration recover quickly and see their progress as a rewarding experience. IV nurses are also essential for medical operations such as surgery and chemotherapy, despite the challenges that can come with infusion therapy.

How to Celebrate the IV Nurse in Your Life

IV nurses are in nearly every clinical setting out there. If you’ve stepped into a doctor’s office or hospital, you’ve probably met an infusion nurse.

Many of these nurses also can work with the same patients over time in places like chemo centers or home healthcare agencies. You can support and share encouragement with your local IV nurse through different types of outreach, such as:

Giving them a gift is a great way to show them your appreciation for all that they do. Ask first what they prefer as a gift (either food or material items). INS also has a storefront with IV-themed gifts and apparel.

Writing a handwritten note is an excellent option if you don’t want to give a gift and is a creative option for kids who want to surprise their IV nurse with a handmade thank you card.

IV nurses are everywhere but still hold a special place in the healthcare world due to their dedication, strengths, and undeniable passion in the field. So, take a moment to thank an IV nurse for their hard work—they deserve the recognition and will surely appreciate it.

The post This National IV Nurse Day Learn More About Infusion Nurses first appeared on Daily Nurse.