Celebrate Infusion Nurses on IV Nurse Day, January 25th 2013

This guest post is brought to you by the Infusion Nurses Society. The INS community consists of thousands of professionals who are committed to the art and science of infusion nursing. We share that commitment, and together we continue our work to enhance our specialty practice.

Every year on January 25, thousands of infusion professionals around the country celebrate IV Nurse Day recognized by Congress and first celebrated in 1981.  It is a day that means a great deal to the many who have dedicated their lives to providing the best infusion care possible. Back then, membership with Infusion Nurses Society was just over 1,850 members. Now we stand strong at over 7,000 members.

This year’s celebration is special for INS, as it marks the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Society. INS CEO Mary Alexander, MA, RN, CRNI^®, CAE, FAAN, stated that “INS and infusion therapy have come a long way in 40 years. Medical technology has changed dramatically, and our specialty looks very different from what it looked like 40 years ago. Celebrating IV Nurse Day gives us an opportunity to recognize the evolution of our specialty and the significant contributions that infusion nurses make in their patients’ lives.”

This year’s theme, “IV Nurses—Real. Life. Heroes,” acclaims the importance of the infusion nurse’s involvement on the health care team. IV Nurse Day promotes the advancement of the specialty and simultaneously recognizes 40 years of continuing education, advocacy, and professional development offered by the infusion nursing community.

The Infusion Nurses Society (INS) is a professional association dedicated to enhancing infusion practices that will improve patient outcomes. Recognized as the global authority in infusion therapy, INS is dedicated to exceeding the public’s expectations of excellence by setting the standard for infusion care.

Those who celebrate this special day observe it in many different ways. Some join a local chapter for a meeting, honor coworkers with a cake, enjoy being treated to a nice dinner with family, or just work that day with the knowledge that the day is special. As all infusion nurses know quality infusion care doesn’t stop, even on its day of celebration.

Happy IV Nurse Day