Behind the Scenes at the Infusion Center: Compassionate Care, Close to Home

If you or a loved one has ever needed infusion therapy, you know it can be an overwhelming experience—especially the first time. At our hospital’s Infusion Center, our mission is to make that experience as comfortable, convenient, and supportive as possible.

We sat down with Kaylee Peery, one of our dedicated infusion nurses, to learn more about what patients can expect when they come in for treatment—and what makes our center unique.

What is Infusion Therapy?

Infusion therapy is the process of administering medication or fluids directly into a patient’s bloodstream through an IV. This method allows for fast and controlled delivery of treatments that can’t be taken orally. Depending on the condition, patients might receive infusions of iron, antibiotics, chemotherapy, or other life-sustaining medications.

Kaylee and her team also administer subcutaneous (under the skin) and intramuscular injections, such as vitamin B12 shots, hormone therapy, and treatments for conditions like prostate cancer or Rh-negative blood type during pregnancy.

Infusion Center at CVRMC

What Do We Treat?

While a large number of patients are undergoing cancer treatment, the infusion team also cares for individuals managing:

Rheumatoid arthritis
Crohn’s disease
Myasthenia gravis
Myelodysplastic syndromes
Anemia requiring blood transfusions

Many of these patients visit regularly—some weekly or monthly—allowing Kaylee and the staff to build close, supportive relationships over time.

CVRMC Comfort at Infusion Center

What to Expect at Your Visit

When patients arrive, the team begins by checking weight, blood pressure, and vitals. For IV infusions, they start a line and administer any necessary pre-medications (such as Tylenol or Benadryl) to prevent reactions. The length of the infusion varies—some treatments take as little as 15 minutes, while others can last up to six hours.

For injections, medications are prepared on-site or brought in from the pharmacy, depending on the prescription.

“We do everything we can to make patients comfortable,” Kaylee said. “Each person has a semi-private bay, a personal television, access to snacks and drinks, and warm blankets from our blanket warmer.”

A More Comfortable Experience

Unlike many larger hospitals where patients receive infusions in one large room, our center is designed with comfort and dignity in mind. Patients have their own space to relax, and our nurses are attentive to both medical and emotional needs.

“Our patients often tell us how much they appreciate the privacy and personal attention,” Kaylee shared. “We also love getting to know them—we ask questions, listen to their stories, and make them feel at home. It really does make a difference.”

Local Access Matters

One of the greatest benefits of our infusion center is that it allows patients to receive care without traveling hours to the city.

“For our cancer patients, especially, not having to drive to the Valley after a long, draining treatment is a big relief,” Kaylee explained. “We’re proud to offer the same level of care right here in our own community.”

Working as a Team

The infusion center works closely with in-house oncologists Dr. Olnick and Dr. Gremminger. The team collaborates daily, reviewing treatment plans and ensuring seamless communication. Oncology Director Michele Caron, who oversees both the infusion and oncology departments, helps strengthen this coordination.

The center also accepts referrals from outside providers, offering flexibility for patients who already have established care with specialists elsewhere.

Preparing Patients for Success

Starting a new treatment can be intimidating, so Kaylee and her colleagues take time to educate every patient. They go over consent forms, review side effects, and provide a binder with personalized treatment information. For certain medications, patients are monitored for a short time after their infusion to ensure no adverse reactions.

“If someone is nervous about their first visit, I tell them that the anticipation is often worse than the actual treatment,” Kaylee said. “Afterward, most patients say, ‘That wasn’t so bad.’”

Whether you’re starting your first infusion or supporting someone who is, know that you’re not alone. Kaylee and the infusion team are here to provide expert care, genuine kindness, and a space where healing begins with comfort.