Can a simple IV pump make you think about nursing differently?

According to Timothy Kavanagh, BScN, MBA, RN, PMP, Director of Professional Services at B. Braun, it should.

Typically, a fluid bolus is 999 mL/hr, but now IV pumps can handle 1200 mL/hr, Kavanagh explains. “So, why don’t we change the policy or look at the evidence for the bolus speed?” It’s about peeling back the layers, adds Kavanagh, and asking, “Why? How could this be better?”

Read on to discover how trusted medical equipment is transforming clinical practice, challenging long-standing norms, and inspiring nurses to think differently about patient care.

From PICU to product innovation

Kavanagh graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and immediately felt drawn to pediatrics. He loved working in the PICU at Montreal Children’s Hospital for seven years, where he thrived on the teamwork and mission. “I really enjoyed the patients and the environment,” he says.

However, when his daughter was born, the demanding schedule began to take a toll. That’s when an opportunity with B. Braun opened up, leading him to transition from bedside care to product education. “I decided to make the switch when the chance came up to focus more on family while still being involved in healthcare,” he shares.

He started as the only clinical representative in Canada, but within three years, he had expanded the team to seven, including full-time educators and nurse consultants. “I really loved helping hospitals integrate new technology into clinical practices,” he recalls. One example he remembers is adjusting hospital policies, like matching bolus fluid rates to pump capabilities. “Small changes like that can make a huge impact,” he explains.

When the pandemic hit, his nursing team quickly adapted, taking on additional biomedical responsibilities, like installing and programming equipment. Today, he manages a team spanning education, biomedical preparation, IT integration, and project managers.

Trusting the tools: Why B. Braun?

Kavanagh appreciates that at B. Braun, the focus isn’t flash—it’s reliability. “You can rely on the equipment that it’s going to do what we say that it’s going to do,” Kavanagh says. From IV catheters to fluid bags and pumps, quality is baked into every design.

For nurses, that consistency matters. “It’s really just about not being surprised,” he says. “To have something that you can trust is going to do exactly what it’s supposed to do... it just makes your day a lot easier to care for that patient.”

That trust becomes even more essential when coordinating large-scale transitions, like the one B. Braun recently supported in Montreal. “We’re working with 12 hospitals now—they want to standardize on a single drug library across all 12 sites.”

That means navigating complex logistics—like reconciling two different concentrations of the same drug—while guiding hospitals through tough decisions. Acting as a bridge between clinical goals and operational realities, B. Braun helps hospital systems harmonize for safer, smarter care.

B. Braun is a leader in infusion therapy, pharmacy products, patient and provider safety, and sustainable health solutions. With products and services created to help healthcare professionals focus on what matters most—their patients—B. Braun is focused on helping clinicians and health systems succeed.

Honesty over everything

What drives Kavanagh as a nurse today is simple: honesty. “Let’s be as forward as possible, because at the end of the day, all of our products are touching patients,” he says. “I don’t want there to be any surprises.”

Whether it means altering a customer’s expectations or clarifying product capabilities, he believes in being upfront. “I'd rather someone be upset with me now than surprised later when it affects a patient.” That approach, he says, builds trust and leads to stronger partnerships over time.

Though many nurses are natural people-pleasers, he sees honesty as a deeper form of caring. It’s one that protects patients and strengthens clinical relationships. His background as a clinician shapes this mindset.

“Patients are expecting a certain experience. For example, a chemotherapy patient expects their appointment to start and end on time. The oncology nurse needs to perform high-quality care, and our products need to support that.”

Nurses can drive change in hospitals

When asked for advice on how to lead change within a hospital, Kavanagh emphasizes the importance of clear communication and collaboration. He urges nurses not to focus too narrowly on finding a solution but to clearly define the problem first. “Don’t pigeonhole yourself into just looking at a solution, like a product. Really define what the challenge is.”

Final thoughts

Despite some side comments from former colleagues, Kavanagh appreciates his journey and views transitioning from bedside to corporate healthcare as simply a different way to support patient care. “We’re still partners. We just work on different parts of the same mission. We're here to work with you to discover and drive the best care possible.”

For nurses who know the real value of reliable equipment (and the importance of trusting your IV pump), subscribe to The Nursing Beat!

*This article is sponsored by B. Braun