Texas LVN Scope of Practice?

U.S.A. Texas

Published

Specializes in Pain Management, RN experience was in ER.

I can't find this ANYWHERE! I've looked on the BON, but the information is so vague. Does anyone know a cut and dry place for information of what an LVN CAN'T do? I'm about to start work in an ER and I'm being trained and checked off on several skills which qualifies me to perform those skills as an LVN. I was told the only thing I really can't do is conscious sedation. But I'll be checked off to do blood administration, pushes, etc.

I'm an RN student and did the extra clinical hours to get my LVN, so now I'm in this limbo of not really knowing what I can or can't do. While I appreciate all the input of what each of your hospitals allow, I'd really just like what TEXAS BON allows. I don't wanna perform duties not in my scope of practice. I hope this makes sense =) Thanks in advance! :bow:

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Congrats on your job & career goals.

First of all, there are only a couple of things that RNs absolutely cannot delegate in Texas

1. Patient Assessment - requires broader & deeper knowledge that is only provided in RN curriculum

2. Establishing initial plan of nursing care

Skills/competencies that are not part of the LVN curriculum may still be included in LVN jobs within health care organizations IF (this is important) the organation has a formal training program and method of validating competency. For instance, if the hospital wants LVNs to start IVs, they have to have a training program and method of validating and maintaing competency.

That being said, there are some nursing interventions that include assessment at a level that comes under the non-delegable tasks listed above. For instance, if the intervention is based on an assessment or may result in the need to immediately initiate resuscitation, it is limited to RNs. This would include such things as : initial dose of IV meds or initial blood infusion (may precipitate sudden reactions); titration of vasoactive drugs; getting post-surgical patient out of bed for the first time, etc. Check your facility's policies and procedures to see what you can or cannot do.

Remember, even though you are in RN school - at work you are an LVN. You can't even do the things you do as an RN student, because you are not in the student role when you are on the job. Be sure not to cross this line, even if people encourage you to do so. You don't want problems with TBON that would prevent you from becoming an RN or (worst of all) jeopardize your LVN license.

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i hope this will help, i was looking for the same thing and was able to find this website.

bhpr.hrsa.gov/healthworkforce/reports/nursing/lpn/c3.htm

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