Can LPNs Flush P.I.C.C. lines in TN

Both in the hospital and now in HH, Yes, LPN's can flush PICC lines, change the dressing, only an RN can DC the PICC line or draw blood from it.

That's scary!!!! I hope I never have to be hospitalized here in Tennessee....eeeeek

Why is that scary? If one is trained correctly, it can be done safely and with as much skill as an RN. (REAL nurse). It's okay, I understand, a lot of people are ignorant through no fault of their own to what a nurse, particularly an LPN, is capable of. I am licensed in Florida and had to be IV certified for that licensure. Having dual licensure is a great way to expand the education, as we all are learning more everyday, every shift. In a facility worth JCAHO approval even if one is a nurse for many years, any respectable facility will train a "new" nurse to what is acceptable or not. If the nurse does not demonstrate capabilities as witnessed by the sign off nurse on the skill checklist received upon employment, the nurse is not allowed to perform those activities until a reasonable level of skill is achieved. (and no they do not use patients as guinea pigs!) There are also skill "spot checks" to assure the nurse is competent. Any nurse who is unsure of how to do something should not be ashamed to ask their charge nurse or closest supervisor before touching a patient. It is the prudent thing to do if one does not want to harm a patient or lose their livelihood. This attitude is why LPN's feel ashamed of what should be an achievement. This is why people who would otherwise be wonderful nurses don't even try. This is why people mistrust nurses and are under the impression they eat their young or cannibalize other nurses. Please don't disrespect LPN's for what we do. Or don't do.