CNA to LPN

goal · Jul 31, 2008

Hello here is the scope of practice for a LVN in the state of CA. -LPNs have to take the vital signs of the patients, which enable doctors to make their diagnoses. If the patient has to undergo any preliminary diagnostic tests, then the LPNs have to prepare them for the test, take their samples, send the samples to the relevant labs and then get the reports for the doctors to scrutinize.

-In case of minor wounds and injuries, LPNs have to perform the first aid tasks such as cleaning the wounds, applying dressings and bandages, etc. They have to assist doctors in providing sutures.

-It is the LPN’s job to administer injections to the patients in most cases.

-LPNs have to keep a watchful eye on patients who are in serious conditions. They have to be vigilant about patients receiving blood, glucose or saline drips. They have to carefully monitor patients on catheters and oxygen supplies.

-In patients who are admitted to the health care facility, it is the LPN’s duty to check that everything is going alright. They are responsible for the food and water supplies of the patients. They must take care of patient hygiene, and can instruct the helping staff in the health care facility to accompany the patient to the toilet, get a change of clothes, etc.

-LPNs are qualified to provide therapeutic massages to patients. If the case arises, such as if the patient gets a pulled muscle due to lying on the hospital bed for a long time, then the LPN can administer a massage to set things right.

-LPNs have to prepare patients who are to undergo surgeries. They have to get them changed into attire fit for the surgery and take care of their food and water restrictions during the period. After the surgery, they have to monitor the patient during the recuperation stage and constantly keep a watch till the patient is fit to be discharged.

Hence, the LPN jobs include complete patient care and monitoring, and at the same time coordinating with the superiors. The job responsibilities are immense, but they are very good training grounds for licensed practical nurses, who are learning to be registered nurses in the future.

I have been a CNA for three years and most nurses says it helps you due to have experince of taking care of patients ect. I" am also doing the CNA_LVN_BSNS GooD Luck~~ :nurse:

Tippy-ta-ta · Jul 31, 2008

Thank. The only thing I haven't really done is medications. When I worked at the hosp. I did wound care but I was assisting the RN and she pretty much let me do it myself and just walked me thru it. At that hosp the CNA's were trained in Foley insertions, CBG's monitoring, enemas, I&O's, emptying suction drains, ect. I worked in ICU for 5yrs and alot of the time there was 1-2 CNA's for 12 -15 nurses per 12hr shift, I got to learn alot and the RN's that I worked with "taught" me alot. I know alot of it I wasn't "licensed" to do. But alot of the RN's would 'teach" us things. I know alot of CNA's would refuse to clear IV pumps and such, but there were those like me, who was just so eager to learn that I would do it, but only for the RN's who I trusted and they trusted me.

I miss ICU. I had to leave that job when I was preg. and on medical leave and my OB wouldn't release me back to work until after the baby was born and therefore I ended up losing my job. But the experience I got working there was priceless.

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Jul 31, 2008

all your experience as a cna will be helpful. there is information about nursing on these websites:

http://www.discovernursing.com/home
- http://www.discovernursing.com/jnj-specialtyid_254-dsc-specialty_detail.aspx - about lpn
- http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos102.htm - about lpn nursing from the u.s. department of labor

Tippy-ta-ta · Jul 31, 2008

thank you