Regional excellence in intravenous therapy. It all began with community intravenous therapy education

This article reviews the progression from the inception of a community approach to education for hospital intravenous therapy to a regional organization that monitors both education and practice. What began in 1983 as community I.V. therapy education to save time and money has grown into a multifaceted program. The task force that addressed the formation of standard objectives for I.V. therapy education did not end, as many task forces do, when success was achieved. The group is now an organization of educators and I.V. nurses who provide a forum for new equipment review, the sharing of educational resources, and the discussion of professional issues that impact on practice. In addition, I.V. therapy standards of practice are formulated for a community with a population of more than 500,000.