Are LPN's allowed to draw blood from PICC lines?

Blackcat99 · Nov 16, 2012

Thank you so very much Esme12. Yes you have indeed answered my question. It is OK for me to do it as an LPN. I have taken the 30 hour IV class. I don't recall learning about how to do a blood draw but I still have my paperwork from that class so will need to review.

FLArn · Nov 16, 2012

Also as is mentioned in Esme's cite, you will need to give your employer a copy of your IV certification certificate for your file. The employer may or may not want a RN to watch you draw the first time you do it.

DSkelton711 · Nov 17, 2012

And remember--even if your state allows it, it still has to be in your job description or somewhere in your facility P and P manual that the LPN is allowed to do x,y or z.

Blackcat99 · Nov 17, 2012

Thanks. Good point. I will ask the DON if it is allowed in our facility manual. I would sure like to have someone watching me the first time I do it.

Ntheboat2 · Nov 17, 2012

What exactly does "under the direction of a registered nurse" mean anyway? Does that mean if there's a registered nurse on the unit then you're working under the direction of a RN, or does that mean that the RN has to be actually watching?

SRK77 · Nov 17, 2012

Totally incorrect. I work and live in NC and LPN's can draw blood from a picc or any other central/peripheral access.
If you are going to answer questions like these, please at least know the RIGHT answer before you speak up!

Settle down, its my facility's policy obviously. I don't work with LPNs anyway. Geez!

AZMOMO2 · Nov 17, 2012

AZ nothing to PICC except change the dressing and flush if you have IV certification... most places don't even let you flush as an LPN.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Nov 17, 2012

What exactly does "under the direction of a registered nurse" mean anyway? Does that mean if there's a registered nurse on the unit then you're working under the direction of a RN, or does that mean that the RN has to be actually watching?

It means that if the LPN makes a mistke you are liable as well. Usually, it means that the RN in "charge" has personally witnessed the LPN perform this task and finds her capable and safe.

As stated in the Florida BON position statement/standards of practice

The clinical practice assessment must be witnessed by a Registered Nurse who shall file a proficiency statement regarding the Licensed Practical Nurse’s ability to perform intravenous therapy via central lines

So the RN sends the letter to the board profession the LPN's proficiency. But it is absolutely a facility to facility policy option.

Blackcat99 Thanks. Good point. I will ask the DON if it is allowed in our facility manual. I would sure like to have someone watching me the first time I do it.

You absolutely need to follow facility policy and without the RN's "proficiency statement" you may not draw off the PICC. You're welcome......It took some searching.....I'm glad I could help

NamasteNurse, BSN, RN · Nov 26, 2012

ny-no

cienurse · Nov 26, 2012

No in Massachusetts-way out of the scope of practice

lsirois12 · Jun 5, 2023

CapeCodMermaid said:

Massachusetts-the answer is No

Massachusetts scope of practice states we are allowed to actually. However I have a few coworkers who state mass made a law stating LPNs are not allowed to? I just haven't found the law stating this yet. I'm looking for it I want to read up on it for sure to know for myself because I was trained we could.

"To guide the practice of the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) whose clinical responsibilities include PICC management.

A PICC is a long intravenous access device inserted into one of the superficial veins of the peripheral vascular system and advanced until the tip rests within the superior vena cava (SVC) near its junction with the right atrium or, if placed via the femoral vein, the tip dwells in the inferior vena cava (IVC) above the level of the diaphragm.

PICC management activities include:

• Dressing the PICC insertion area

• Accessing the PICC (e.g., blood draws, tubing change)

• Administering solutions and medications via PICC when prescribed by a duly authorized prescriber" - Massachusetts Board of Nursing

Crystal-Wings, LVN · Jun 11, 2023

LVNs cannot do anything with a picc line in California. I have no idea about other states though. This is fine with me though. I'd rather just have the RN deal with it.