In 2021, I shared my journey in creating a much-needed elective course, NURS 340 Holistic Approach to Infusion Nursing and Phlebotomy that aimed at filling a critical gap in nursing education. The course was born out of students’ repeated questions: “Why don’t we learn how to start IVs or draw blood in school?” That inquiry became my inspiration and passion project. Now, 4 years later, that dream has grown stronger and more impactful than I ever imagined.
What inspired you to develop the course, and what did it look like in its first year?
The inspiration to develop the course came directly from the students. They wanted to feel prepared for the clinical setting, not just in theory but in skill, safety, and confidence. In Spring 2021, I introduced the course as a 2-credit elective. Despite scheduling difficulties, 7 students enrolled. Since then, the course has become a 3-credit course and enrollment has steadily increased with 22 students in the Spring 2025 semester.
Back then, you hoped it would become a 3-credit required course with a lab. Where do things stand now?
I am happy to report that, as of the Spring 2024 semester, the course remains a 3-credit elective and is now updated with its own course number and renamed: NURS 341 Holistic Approach to Infusion Therapy. While it is not yet a required course, students from both Nursing and Health Studies can now enroll if it fits into their schedule. I remain hopeful that someday it will eventually become a core part of the curriculum. I recently retired as a full-time tenured associate professor in June 2025, but another faculty member is eager to continue offering and teaching the course, ensuring its future in the nursing program at Siena.
How has the course evolved in structure and delivery?
The course still follows the latest version (now 13 chapters) of Lisa Gorski’s textbook, Manual of I.V. Therapeutics, and uses the updated Fundamentals of Infusion Therapy (FIT) modules from the Infusion Nurses Society. Class sessions include one hour of content review followed by one hour of hands-on skills demonstration and practice that is an essential balance that students greatly appreciate. The first day of class, we continue to have guest speaker Marlene Steinheiser, PhD, RN, CRNI®, Chief Clinical Officer, from Infusion Nurses Society and creator of the FIT modules on Zoom, who guides the students on how to use FIT and the INS website.
Have the FIT modules changed, and how are those updates incorporated?
The FIT modules are updated in accordance with the latest INS Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice (Standards). Their blend of videos, scenarios, and activities continues to be one of the students’ favorite parts of the course, along with hands-on skills practice, helping reinforce class content with evidence-based practice. Another thing students like about the FIT modules is that they will forever have access to them once they pay and register at the start of the course.
Have you added new tools or strategies?
One new addition to the course is Kahoot quizzes at the end of each content session, which adds an element of fun and review before skills practice. At the end of the semester, students are evaluated on 3 critical skills: IV insertion, blood draws, and central line dressing changes. These are the skills they practice throughout the semester and will use wherever they are employed.
What feedback have you received from recent students?
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Here is a little of what students have shared:
“This course was incredibly helpful for my future nursing career. It not only prepared me to insert IVs but also taught me what signs and symptoms to look for. Everyone should take this class.”
“The FIT modules helped me apply knowledge to real-life situations. I especially appreciated being able to revisit the content as needed.”
“Before the course, I had minimal experience with infusion therapy. Now, I feel confident and competent.”
“After this course, I felt as though I had proficient knowledge and felt confident in attempting these skills in lab and outside of the classroom.”
Can you share any real-world success stories from students?
Several former students have emailed me to share how impressed their clinical preceptors were with their infusion therapy knowledge and technical skill. Many expressed a great appreciation in being able to perform blood draws and IV starts successfully, often ahead of peers and on their first attempt.
How would you compare confidence levels now to the first cohort?
When comparing confidence levels from now to the first cohort, I found that the 2021 cohort was enthusiastic and appreciative, but by 2025, students are entering the course with greater expectations and leaving with higher confidence and clinical readiness. The consistent structure and skill-building have paid off.
What is the biggest challenge for students?
The biggest challenge students find is fitting the course into busy nursing schedules, especially within the 1+2+1 program structure, and coordinating with 3 partner schools can be tricky. But students continually express how worthwhile the course is, and students who have taken it strongly encourage their peers to try and fit it into their schedules, when possible.
“Which resources have you found most valuable in teaching this course?”
The FIT modules, INS Standards, hands-on resources for skills practice, and Lisa Gorski’s textbook remain the foundation of the course. These evidence-based resources ensure students are prepared to meet current and evolving clinical standards.
What are your hopes for the future of infusion therapy education at Siena and beyond?
I hope NURS 341 becomes a required course and continues to be offered. Infusion therapy is too essential to be optional. More broadly, I hope other nursing programs will recognize the value of early, in-depth training in this area.
What advice would you give other nursing programs?
The advice I would give to other nursing programs is to:
- Create the course for your students – Students are asking for it.
- Use FIT modules and INS Standards – the gold standard for infusion education.
- Incorporate as much hands-on practice as possible – it builds competence and confidence.
How has teaching this course shaped you as an educator?
Creating and teaching this course has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. Seeing students grow, succeed, and feel confident in their practice has brought me great pride. It has also reaffirmed my belief that infusion therapy training is a matter of patient safety and nursing competence. Here is a copy of my retirement video that says it all.
What is your message to nursing students about infusion therapy?
I strongly encourage students to take the course if it is available. If not, seek out infusion therapy or phlebotomy training in any way you can. Mastering these skills early not only makes you a better nurse but directly improves patient care.
(As of this fall 2025, Siena College is now Siena University.)
About the Author
Rosemarie R. VanPatten, PhD, RN, Caritas Coach©, is a recently retired tenured associate professor of nursing at Siena University in Loudonville, New York, currently serving as adjunct faculty. With 40+ years of clinical experience and 21 years in nursing education, she is passionate about empowering future nurses with skills that matter. Her expertise spans med-surg, IV therapy, post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), and public health nursing. She is a proud Air National Guard veteran and has levels 1-3 training in Healing Touch.
To educators and administrators: The demand is real. The impact is measurable. Infusion therapy education should no longer be optional.
