Compassion is Paramount in Infusion Nursing

Infusion nurses are registered nurses who specialize in administering medications and fluids via infusion. They monitor patients, manage their tubing, maintain arterial catheters and stay aware of potential drug complications. It’s a unique specialty, requiring high levels of technical skill and excellent bedside (or in many cases with infusion nursing, “chairside”) manner.
For nurses who are looking for a career change or students planning their next step after graduation, infusion nursing is a promising option. It’s also an increasingly popular specialty. According to Healthcare Traveler, the demand for infusion nurse services is expected to rise 26 percent in 2020, due in part to new medical technologies, the aging of America and several anticipated cost-saving initiatives required by the Affordable Care Act.
Flexibility, adaptability and quick thinking are keys to excelling in the ever-evolving world of infusion nursing, where nurses must be prepared to both works autonomously and be a part of interdisciplinary teams.
“Although it’s a difficult specialty, the most important characteristic of infusion nursing is a strong sense of compassion,” said Linda Ankrom MSN, MHA, RN, an infusion nurse in Pittsburgh, Pa. “If you have the passion to care for others, the rest can be taught. The skills can be developed, and nurse mentors will guide you along with your career, but the most important thing is that you’re truly invested in being a nurse and caring for others.”
Infusion nurses have a particular opportunity to work closely with patients and their families during difficult, sometimes painful, parts of their treatment. Ankrom notes a big part of the infusion nursing role is to educate patients and their families about their care. It requires translating complicated medical knowledge into terms that patients (even pediatric patients) can understand. Ankrom often encourages her nurses to open up to their patients in order to develop a stronger relationship.
“Nurses are not trained to talk about themselves, but I always tell my nurses to talk to their patients,” she said, “Tell them about where you are from, what you’ve studied and even what experiences you may have had with being an infusion patient yourself. These stories help build a relationship with the patient.”
Infusion nurses practice in any setting where patients receive medication or fluid infusion treatments, including hospitals, long-term care centers, clinics and home health agencies. During her career, Ankrom has worked in many of these settings but currently works in an outpatient clinic. Outpatient clinics can be a valuable option for patients with an ongoing condition that requires regular infusion treatments.
“One of the benefits of an outpatient setting is the disease doesn’t become my patient’s entire life,” said Ankrom. “They can get treatment and be home in time for after-school activities. For people with chronic illness, having to constantly go in and out of the hospital can be very demanding. An outpatient clinic helps them have more control over their care.”
After nearly 20 years of practicing nursing, Ankrom still lights up about her chosen specialty.
“There’s a million rewards to being an infusion nurse, but the number one thing is bringing a sense of calm, peace and hope to a patient.”
Content courtesy of The Campaign for Nursing’s Future. Johnson and Johnson
Learn more:
Welcome to Sumner College – February 6th Nursing Classes Start Today!
Today we welcome the new students enrolled in Sumner College's February 6th cohorts for Registered Nursing, Practical Nursing and RN-BSN.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Welcome to Sumner College – New Arizona Phlebotomy Technician Students Starting Today!
Today we welcome the new students enrolled in Sumner College-Arizona's February 6th cohort for Phlebotomy Technician.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Interested in Becoming a Nurse?
Learn more about becoming a nurse, nursing salaries, and the future of nursing. Nurses are considered some of the most trusted professionals in the United…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Honor HealthCare Heroes – National IV Nurse Day
INS celebrates IV Nurse Day each year on January 25th, to recognize the decades of continuing education, advocacy, and professional development that have driven the…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Enroll Now in our Phlebotomy Tech Program
Have you been dreaming about a career working in healthcare? Sumner College Arizona can get you there with classes in Phlebotomy Tech, Medical Assisting and…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
2023 Nurse Appreciation Calendar
Enjoy The DiversityNursing.com, 2023 Nurse Appreciation Calendar and remember to honor our healthcare heroes for their dedication to our health and work in our world.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Honor our HealthCare Heroes – National CRNA Week
A Celebration of CRNAs Since 2000, National CRNA Week has been our annual celebration of the nearly 59,000 practicing nurse anesthetists in the U.S. From…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Laboratory Phlebotomist Projected Growth in the US
Research Summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that: Salaries have increased 11% for laboratory phlebotomists in the last 5 years…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Mobile IV Nursing Is Trending Due to Earning Potential
Mobile IV nursing is growing and offers nurses the opportunity for higher pay and a flexible schedule. Explore this popular career. Mobile intravenous (IV) nurses…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
How You Can Set SMART Goals for 2023
Did you know 91% of people don't reach their New Year's goals? Dive into how SMART goals for nurses may increase your potential success. SMART…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
How the Improving Care and Access to Nurses (I CAN) Act Impacts Nurses
The Improving Care and Access to Nurses legislation significantly impacts nurses and their patients. Consider seven ways to advocate for improved access to care. The…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Dream It. Do It.
If healthcare is your passion, and a career in the field is your dream, it is time to look at Sumner College. 2023 nursing classes…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Happy New Year!
Make way for 2023!…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
The Future of Oregon’s Nursing Workforce: Analysis and Recommendations
The Oregon Center for Nursing recently published "The Future of Oregon's Nursing Workforce: Analysis and Recommendations The Oregon Legislature directed the Oregon Health Care Workforce…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Happy Holidays from Sumner College
…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
What’s the work environment for a Phlebotomy Tech?
Phlebotomists work mainly in hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, and doctor’s offices. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Phlebotomists held about 135,500 jobs…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Holiday Break – December 19 to January 2nd
There will be no classes at Sumner College during Holiday Break - December 19th thru January 2nd.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Expert Simulation Educators Across Oregon – OCN
Sumner College's Simulation Lab provides a comprehensive learning experience for our students. As nursing education and professional development needs evolve, schools and healthcare systems are…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
2022 Holiday Greetings
Sumner College President, Joanna Russell, shares a big announcement for our nursing school happening in April 2023 and wishes a warm holiday greeting to all…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Finding balance around the holidays
The holiday season can be a stressful time. For years, I allowed this time of year to completely take over my mind and wellbeing because…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
It’s a good time to pursue a career in healthcare. Joanna Russell and Nicole DeCosta discuss nursing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GQA8dkHbFc…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
RN Well-Being Project
The well-being of all licensed LPNs, RNs, and APRNs, as well as their certified and unlicensed support staff, is essential to Oregon's health [Article shared…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Oregon Facing Nurse Shortage by 2025
With demand for registered nurses in Oregon continuing to grow, Oregon is facing a nursing shortage by 2025, according to The Demand for Nursing Professionals…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Occupational Outlook Handbook – Phlebotomists
Sumner College's Phlebotomy Tech classes are held in Mesa, Arizona Next classes start in January 2023 Quick Facts: Phlebotomists 2021 Median Pay $37,380 per year…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Professional Nursing Organizations
There are more than 100 different national and international nursing organizations, many of which have chapters in Oregon. You may want to consider the benefits…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
How a nurse is improving health equity with a touch of a button
This article is shared from Johnson+Johnson's Nursing website. LINK Watch a special TODAY show segment featuring nurse innovator Bre Loughlin, MS, RN This segment features…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Now Hiring – Assistant to the President
Sumner College is accepting applications for the position of Assistant to the President. Visit the Careers at Sumner page for details on the position and…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Now Hiring – General Education/ Science Instructor
Sumner College is accepting applications for a general education/science instructor position that is part time and hybrid. Job Description - General Education/Science Instructor - Part…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Bringing Well-Being into the Workplace
For healthcare to work, it takes a thriving nurse workforce. From nurse-led solutions to evidence-backed guidelines, innovation in workplace well-being isn't just possible, it's happening.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Thanksgiving Memorable Recipes from Sumner College’s Team
Thanksgiving is a time to show gratitude for friends, family and business associates. This year, the Sumner College team is sharing a few delicious, must-have,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn