Objective To understand the current situation and actual level of nurses′ knowledge and skills of intravenous therapy in community health centers. Methods Using cluster sampling method, 255 nurses from 13 community health centers were selected to fill out a survey regarding their knowledge of intravenous therapy, and heparin concentrations of the flushing and sealing fluid used in the community health centers were noted.Then parts of the nurses were selected to perform the technique of flushing and sealing of intravenous catheters on-site. Results The standard score of knowledge related to intravenous therapy of nurses in community health centers ranged from 17.39 to 95.65(53.21±15.03)points, and 183 nurses (71.76%) scored below 60.Only 4 health centers (30.77%) used a heparin concentration of 0-10 U/ml to flush and seal the catheter, which met China′s "Standards for Intravenous Therapy ".A total of 39 nurses performed the technique of flushing and sealing of intravenous catheters, and only 28.20% demonstrated correct process and 23.08% demonstrated a correct positive pressure flush. Conclusion The nurses working in community health centers have poor knowledge of intravenous therapy, and the technique of flushing and sealing of intravenous catheters is less standardized.Nursing managers need to formulate training programs, pay attention to nurses′ feedback and quality control,and standardize the procedures of intravenous therapy,in an effort to promote the safety of intravenous therapy.