Can LPN's Supervise RN's?

yogastudentRN · Sep 7, 2005

In Ohio, an LPN cannot supervise an RN. BON law dictates who may supervise who....you might want to check with your state BON.

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Sep 7, 2005

LPn's can delegate to CNA's. They cannot supervise an RN unless that Rn is still an undergraduate and in a facility on clinicals. Then they may be put with a LPN for med passes or soemthing. Most nurse practice acts state the LPn works under direction of a Registered Nurse or doctor. I would think if there is a LPN supervisor such as in a LTC situation they are probly supervising other LPN's and CNA's.

danursern · Sep 7, 2005

LPn's can delegate to CNA's. They cannot supervise an RN unless that Rn is still an undergraduate and in a facility on clinicals. Then they may be put with a LPN for med passes or soemthing. Most nurse practice acts state the LPn works under direction of a Registered Nurse or doctor. I would think if there is a LPN supervisor such as in a LTC situation they are probly supervising other LPN's and CNA's.

Well, the way I understand it is LPN's cannot supervise other LPN's nor can they CNA. So, to delegate is not the same as to supervise. That is what they tell me. BUT, in my thoughts it is Supervising to delegate responsibilty to staff.

Apparently, the LPN has called his board and this is what he was told???

Darcy

NurCrystal22 · Sep 7, 2005

I think that LPNs may delegate responsibilities to CNAs. LPNs in most states can not supervise RNs bases on the Nurse Practice Act... at least in my state. Check your states NPA and check with the BON. But my answer is no, LPNs can not supervise RNs.

~Crystal

BabyRN2Be · Sep 7, 2005

From what I understand it, an RN supervises an LPN, but an LPN can delegate tasks to CNA's. I'm pretty sure it's that way all over. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe that's the way it works.

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Sep 7, 2005

The RN is the supervisor and I dont know what all this delegation stuff is but if the LVN is the charge nurse then she is the supervisor for the CNA's. We have a RN for a DON but our ADON is a LVN and she is the nursing supervisor to all RN's, LVN's and CNA's. She instructs the RN's just as well as the LVN's. I dont know I just keep my mouth shut and work!!!!!!!!

suzanne4, RN · Sep 7, 2005

Delegation is actually an RN responsibility only, per BON regulations.

Delegation can only be performed by an RN in using that specific word.

An LPN can assign duties to another LPN or a CNA, but they cannot delegate.

It has more to do with semantics but that is how the BON standards are worded.

mandrews · Sep 7, 2005

Delegation is actually an RN responsibility only, per BON regulations.
Delegation can only be performed by an RN in using that specific word.
An LPN can assign duties to another LPN or a CNA, but they cannot delegate.
It has more to do with semantics but that is how the BON standards are worded.

Ditto. Although my hospital is getting ready to go all licensed staff only. You can be an rn, or lpn. As the CNA's leave they will be replaced by lpns who can do the cna work, assist with breaks, pass meds, etc.

danursern · Sep 7, 2005

I think that LPNs may delegate responsibilities to CNAs. LPNs in most states can not supervise RNs bases on the Nurse Practice Act... at least in my state. Check your states NPA and check with the BON. But my answer is no, LPNs can not supervise RNs.
~Crystal

I am confused with the terminology i.e. directed, delegate, and supervise are the same. I guess it isn't clear to me how one can delegate and not be supervising or directing the care of a patient. I am going to call the boards for clarification, but I find this a interesting subject since it is something I am going through right now.

I've been away from LTC for over a year and half, and I went back to a facility I use to work at. As RN I was unit team leader charge on a high acuity medical surge /and telemetry 40 bed unit, over 4 LPN's on 3-11 in this veterans hospital, and in that hospital no LPN could supervise or delegate. Only RN's. I've worked in many LTC facilities as LPN, and RN and some are allowing LPN's to direct care. I am so uncertain and I want to protect myself the LPN and the patient as well. So I wish when the boards put out there little books they specify between this terminology in relationship to supervising. Once and LPN's tried to tell me what to do.

Since I've been orienting in this facility in 5 days I observed two LPN's on seperate occassions combine Regular and Long acting insulin incorrectly. I called their attention to it, they were good about it toward me and excepted it as a mistake. I wonder how many have done this. So, I am not sure they should delegate or supervise other LPN's or even train them in orientation. This was orientation for me.

The facility is on a down hill slope and I am really wondering if it is going to make it. I've seen so many mistakes. They have 33 sites from the Board. I just started there over a week ago, and this why I am wondering all this?

Thanks

Darcy

danursern · Sep 7, 2005

The RN is the supervisor and I dont know what all this delegation stuff is but if the LVN is the charge nurse then she is the supervisor for the CNA's. We have a RN for a DON but our ADON is a LVN and she is the nursing supervisor to all RN's, LVN's and CNA's. She instructs the RN's just as well as the LVN's. I dont know I just keep my mouth shut and work!!!!!!!!

Wow, I think I'd find out because here in WV no LPN or LVN can be a ADON.

danursern · Sep 7, 2005

As LPN years ago I supervised the CNA's or so I thought I was doing this. I mean I was responsible for them and it was up to me to make sure they did their work. Today they tell me LPN's cannot supervise anyone. So if delegate is the same word. What is that LPN's do when the work on a unit as a charge at night when no RN is on duty over the CNA's? Whew, semantics you say well quite frankly this is so confusing.