[A systems approach to teaching intravenous therapy]

Nursing students at the college level must master specific techniques related to their profession. Some techniques, including those associated with intravenous (I.V.) therapy, present unique learning challenges because of their complexity. This article offers a teaching strategy based on the main scientific principles of I.V. therapy. The authors recommend a systems-based approach that was successfully tested by nursing students during the theoretical portion of their studies. This strategy relies on the use of concepts, experimental learning, simulation and role playing. The theory portion uses diagrams to establish links between the various subjects and concepts initially learned by the student. Then, based on the individual's learning processes, more specific information is added during the motivation, acquisition and performance phases. The article elaborates on the development of this strategy.