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Specializes in M/S, Tele, Sub (stepdown), Hospice.

Posted this on the LVN thread but didn't get any replies...

Is it common or possible for an LVN to work in the NICU? I'm clueless as to what is in their scope of practice. If so, what are their limitations? I'm in California by the way.

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I would say it depends on the needs and willingness of the agency you work for....if they are willing to train, great!You would work under RN license though :) From my experience no IV therapy..but it also depends on the agency....check with the state nurse regularions...on the web....its all lined out

http://www.rn.ca.gov/

Best of luck

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I received my initial LVN licensure in California. It is basically unheard-of to use LVNs in any type of critical care units or intensive care units in California hospitals, and this includes the NICU. California is very protective of its RNs, and will do anything to avoid having LVNs "invade" certain territories inside the hospital.

If you want to work around babies, your best bet is to work as an office nurse at a pediatric clinic or doctors' office.

Specializes in M/S, Tele, Sub (stepdown), Hospice.

Commuter, that's what I thought.

Someone I know claims to have worked as an LVN in a well-known children's hospital. She said she was in the NICU but couldn't stand it anymore because she hated giving meds to the babies. I was like...***?! She's lied about other things so this one made me think she must be a pathological liar....I dunno.

Thanks for the replies. I'm an RN/ADN student by the way.. ;)

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Someone I know claims to have worked as an LVN in a well-known children's hospital. She said she was in the NICU but couldn't stand it anymore because she hated giving meds to the babies. I was like...***?! She's lied about other things so this one made me think she must be a pathological liar....I dunno.
If your acquaintance is an older LVN who has been practicing for more than 20 years, then there's a chance that she worked in a NICU many years ago. However, she's possibly being dishonest if she has not been a nurse for very long.
Specializes in Cardiac, Acute Stroke Unit, Surgical.

In Australia, Medication endorsed Enrolled Nurses (EENs) can work i critical care units....not certain about NICU though.

Our EENs currently have 1 year training at TAFE and earn a "Certificate 4". The new course is 2 years at University and will earn them an "Advanced Diploma".

RNs go to university for 3 years and earn a degree.

Just out of curiosity, how does that lign up with the American system?

Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.

I knew of one LPN who was an EXCELLENT NICU nurse. I worked with her and she did really excellent Level 3 work.

They phased out the LPNs in our hospital and made it a mandate that she had to go to school and get her RN.

She left.

I wish she had considered going back to school; she was an excellent clinician.

yeah

it's nice to hear that:d

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Hi I have been a LPN in GA for two years and work primarly med/surg although there are times that I go to other departments like the ICU. At the hospital in which I work we are tested on our knowledge and skills and the higher your grade and skill level is what makes you more valuable to other departments, also to work in the ICU your knowledge of meds and cardiac care are thoroughly reviewed. The only thing we can not do in the ICU as a LPN is adjust doses on some of the drips. Anyway I love going to the ICU it is always a learning time for me.:nurse:

Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

I worked as an LVN at a well-known Children's Hospital. I started out in a unit that had a definitive observation unit, like 1:3, or less sick, 1:6. Went I went to part-time, I ended up floating almost every shift. Most often it was NICU. Even ICU once. But this is also when dinosaurs roamed the earth. I don't think they hire LVNs anymore. So glad to have that experience, though. :)

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

You are in Georgia, right? It has been my observation that the deep Southern states will utilize their LPNs to the fullest extent and bestow good opportunities upon them in the hospital setting.

Unfortunately, the original poster is in California, which is one of the most restrictive states in the union regarding the LVN scope of practice.

Hi I have been a LPN in GA for two years and work primarly med/surg although there are times that I go to other departments like the ICU. At the hospital in which I work we are tested on our knowledge and skills and the higher your grade and skill level is what makes you more valuable to other departments, also to work in the ICU your knowledge of meds and cardiac care are thoroughly reviewed. The only thing we can not do in the ICU as a LPN is adjust doses on some of the drips. Anyway I love going to the ICU it is always a learning time for me.:nurse:

Where I have worked -floated to NICUs-there have only been RNs and either surgical techs or CNAs.

otessa

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