LPNs and IVs in Acute Rehab

[MNlpn]

I'd like to know if any Acute Rehab Units out there allow LPNs to do anything with IVs/PICC lines. At my facility, the LPNs are only allowed to access PIVs. We can hang abx, fluids, mg, K+, not blood products or IV push meds, can flush the line, d/c the PIV etc. However, it seems that alot of our patients come to us with PICC lines, central lines, or Port-a-caths. These, the hospital does not allow the LPNs to do anything with. With the exeption of monitoring anything that may be infusing, and we can change a bag of fluid if the previous one is done and they will be continuing them. We can't flush the lines, or do dressing changes, cap changes, or do the blood draws. At my previous job in LTC (also in MN) the LPNs were IV certified (as was I) and we did it all with the exception of say hanging blood or doing draws. Our hospital is unionized, the RNs have their union and the LPNs have theirs. I believe the RN union has alot to do with what us LPNs can do there. I have encountered RNs that get so in a tizzy when I have asked them to hang meds, do blood draws etc. I just wish we could get the hospital or who ever to give the LPNs a little more responsibility when it comes to PICC lines etc. I'm alright about letting the RNs do the blood draws, hang the blood etc. But I truly think it would help ease the burden of the RNs if the LPNs could at least flush the line, hang the meds and do the dressing and cap changes. I've done it before, and it doesn't take a brain surgeon. Many of the RNs on my unit say they never even had any training when it came to those types of lines. They all learned it from preceptors and hands on when starting their jobs. So anywho.....just want some feedback as to what other LPNs are doing out there in Acute Rehab land. Thanks Much

[mel1977]

I am allowed to do dressing changes and flush the PICCS and hang meds. Like you, no blood draws from them. That is what our board of nursing allows and where I work, the more the LPN can do the better. We are quite a family and the RNs don't treat me much different from anyone else. Of course, I have been there for a long time before I was an LPN and my mom has worked there for 25 years-I have literally known some of these people for 20 years and I am only 28!

Anyway, back to the post. So, that is what I do when it comes to those!