Infusion Pumps for Nursing Programs

Written by
DiaMedical
Published on December 1, 2021 at 9:38:00 PM PST December 1, 2021 at 9:38:00 PM PSTst, December 1, 2021 at 9:38:00 PM PST

Without a doubt, hands-on training is the best way for students to learn how to manage IV therapy. Students need to practice programming infusion rates and dosages into the same pumps that they will be using in clinical settings. This is especially important for modern infusion pumps that have advanced software and integrated drug libraries. In this blog post, we will look at several types of infusion pumps that can help students learn how to safely administer IV fluids and medications.  

 

Basic infusion pumps

Basic infusion pumps like the Baxter Flo-Gard 6201 are valuable teaching tools for nursing fundamentals courses and LPN programs. They allow students to practice loading tubing sets and programming rates for primary and secondary infusions. Basic infusion pumps can also be used to teach students how to manage alarms and use lock-out safety devices.

 

Smartinfusion pumps 

Smart infusion pumps like the Baxter Sigma Spectrum feature integrated drug libraries and Dose Error Reduction Systems (DERS) to protect patients from dangerous medication errors. Users select the desired medication from an approved list and input the required patient information, after which the pump calculates the infusion rate. The pump prevents the user from starting the infusion if the calculated rate exceeds normally acceptable dosing limits. The Sigma Spectrum takes these protections a step further with a built-in titration error prevention for high-alert drugs.  

 

Alaris Medley system

The Alaris Medley system is unique because multiple infusion and monitoring modules can be attached to a central point of care unit. Clinicians can combine up to four modules to not only deliver infusions but also assess the patient’s response to therapy. The Alaris Medley system uses Guardrails, the most comprehensive infusion safety software available today. The DiaMedical USA Educational Drug Library is an abbreviated version of the Alaris Guardrails software for training. It is the only simulated drug library that is able to safeguard both primary and secondary infusions and comes pre-programmed on all Alaris pumps from DiaMedical.  

 

Final thoughts

Refurbished infusion pumps are cost-effective teaching tools for all types of nursing programs. Basic pumps are ideal for teaching fundamental skills of IV therapy while smart pumps with drug libraries are required for more advanced courses. It can be difficult for instructors to know which infusion pump or combo is best suited for their nursing program. The DiaMedical USA team is ready to help programs balance cost and functionality in order to find the right pump to meet the learning needs of their students. Simulated IV bags, tubing sets and IV start kits are also available to provide complete training solutions for instructors. For more information, reach to a DiaMedical USA expert at 877-593-6011 or info@diamedicalusa.com