Skill Profile
IV Therapy
"Administering fluids, medications or blood products directly into a patient's vein via cannula, monitoring for complications throughout."
YOUR SKILLS
Problems This Skill Solves
- Delivering fluids or medication quickly when oral routes are unsuitable or too slow
- Correcting dehydration, electrolyte imbalance or blood loss
- Administering medications that must be given at a precise, controlled rate
- Detecting and responding to complications such as extravasation or infection early
IV therapy is just putting in a drip.
It requires ongoing drug calculation, monitoring for complications and aseptic technique.
Once trained, competency doesn't need updating.
Most employers require periodic re-validation of IV competency.
Research & Outlook
Smart infusion pumps with dose-error-reduction software are becoming standard, shifting emphasis towards interpreting pump alerts and managing exceptions rather than manual calculation alone.
See This Skill In Action
Watch a professional demonstrate IV Therapy in a real working environment — what it looks like, how it's applied, and why it matters.
Healthcare / Clinical
IV Therapy
Also Known As
Growth Path
Can insert a peripheral cannula and administer a straightforward IV fluid under supervision.
Independently administers IV medications, manages infusion pumps and recognises complications such as extravasation or phlebitis.
Manages complex IV regimens (chemotherapy, central lines, TPN) and trains or assesses others.
How to Practise
- 1.Complete IV therapy/cannulation training accredited by an employer or the Royal College of Nursing
- 2.Practise on training arms or simulation manikins
- 3.Complete supervised clinical competency assessments
- 4.Refresh drug calculation skills regularly through timed drills
How to Prove
- ·Hold a recognised IV therapy/cannulation competency sign-off from a registered clinical assessor
- ·Maintain NMC/HCPC registration with IV therapy documented as a competency
- ·Pass a drug calculation and administration OSCE