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Defining Scope: Basic vs Advanced IV Therapy Training for Arizona LPNs

For Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in Arizona, staying current on infusion therapy guidelines is vital. The Arizona State Board of Nursing’s Advisory Opinion on Infusion Therapy provides detailed criteria for what LPNs can and cannot do, based on their level of training.

The Arizona Board of Nursing outlines specific tasks that LPNs may perform, depending on whether they have basic or advanced IV therapy training.

LPNs with Basic IV Therapy Training Can:

  • Change existing IV fluids (medicated and unmedicated)
  • Provide routine catheter flushes and locking with saline or heparin
  • Perform VAD site care
  • Monitor IV sites and patient responses
  • Calculate and regulate infusion rates for non-medicated solutions
  • Remove short peripheral IV catheters (except those in the external jugular)
  • Document intake/output and recognize/report complications

LPNs with Advanced IV Therapy Training Can Also:

  • Insert short peripheral IV catheters (excluding external jugular)
  • Administer IV medications as allowed by facility and manufacturer guidelines
  • Use vein visualization technology with appropriate competency validation
  • Draw blood samples from vascular access devices (VADs)
  • Manage and remove midline catheters, long PIVCs, and non-tunneled CVADs (like PICCs)
  • Provide infusion therapy via subcutaneous (SubQ) routes including site prep, insertion, and dressing
  • Access already established implanted ports for medication administration and sampling (but not insert or de-access them)

Note: Certain procedures such as intraosseous (IO) access, administering blood products or plasma expanders, and titrating medications remain outside the LPN scope in Arizona.

For the full, official breakdown, review the Advisory Opinion PDF here.

Meet Requirements with Pedagogy's Arizona LPN IV Certification Package

To align with Arizona regulations, Pedagogy Continuing Nurse Education offers a comprehensive Arizona LPN IV Certification Package. This online, self-paced course includes:

  • Arizona Legalities of Infusion Therapy
  • Peripheral IV Therapy fundamentals
  • Central line management practices
  • 12 contact hours with printable skills checklists
  • Instant certificate upon course completion

This package is specifically tailored to Arizona standards, ensuring you're compliant and competent.

Why Online IV Education Is a Smart Choice

Online education allows nurses to:

  • Learn at their convenience
  • Avoid travel and time away from work
  • Access expert-led, state-specific content
  • Gain immediate proof of completion

Conclusion

With a clear understanding of Arizona’s LPN IV therapy scope and access to trusted education like Pedagogy’s certification package, LPNs can confidently expand their skills. Review the state guidelines and enroll in Pedagogy’s Arizona IV Therapy Education Package to advance your nursing practice today!