Agency LPNs doing IV Push

prn nurse · Sep 4, 2002

I'm an RN traveler. I see different policies at different hospitals. Frequently, LPN's will ask me to do their pushes and I always do without any complaint.

I am comfortable with LPN's doing the pushes if they are.

In the ICU's, only RN's do the pushes.

On the units, I will check to see what the pt.'s diagnosis is and see what is hanging and the latest v/s and share with the LPN the best method and what to watch for.

But, in the hospitals I work in as a traveler, I see LPN's doing everything the RN does ....for less pay.

jhf0174 · Sep 12, 2002

I work Med-Surg, SNF, and LTC through a local agency. I rotate between 7 to 9 facilities, from floor to floor. I do all IV meds, in fact everything the RNs do on except the initial assessments, as the state of Indiana doesn't allow Lpns to do those. And, yes, for much less pay.

jhf0174 · Sep 12, 2002

Oops! Forgot to add that none of the agencies that I have worked through, or the facilities that I have worked at through them, have ever done any testing of my skills. They just take it for granted that I can do what I say I can. I do have certification from a Peripheral IV class that I took through a hospital. I did give a copy to the agency, but it wasn't required. I do routinely work with everything: PICCs, Midlines, Hickmans, shunts, ports, etc... It is expected that I can do it all since I am a nurse, with no difference made because I am an LPN. I would like to add that I have seen work by both agency and facility nurses that makes me wonder why there is not more hands-on demonstrations required!

Youda · Sep 12, 2002

In Missouri, LPNs cannot do IV pushes. The rationale behind that is that there is no standardized educational programs to teach LPNs how to do this safely. LPNs are required to take a 40 hr. class on IVs to become "IV Certified" but the content of those 40 hrs. classes isn't monitored or approved by the BON. Alternatively, IVs are part of the curriculum in any accredited RN program and the content must meet BON requirements.

I'd be less concerned about a LPN doing IVs than a CNA passing meds (see the thread on this topic). But, without a standardized educational program for LPNs, or a facility or agency not observing the competency of ANY one (RN or LPN) before cutting them loose, is just a lawsuit waiting to happen.

Heck, the last time I was employed at a hospital in Missouri, I had a 30-day preceptorship and couldn't even put in a catheter by myself until I was "checked off" as knowing how to do it.

RRMLPN · Dec 5, 2002

IV's are now part of the curriculum in the LPN programs, however we still are not allowed to do IV pushes unless it is a emergency situation and then it has to be with supervision of a Doctor or RN.

Sure would help out the RN's if we were allowed to do so.

RNforLongTime · Dec 6, 2002

In Ohio, LPN's aren't allowed to give IV Push meds at all. In PA, I'm not sure what the "rules" are regarding this issue.

MishlB · Dec 15, 2002

This subject has me baffled. I am an LPN, ADN student, and have been told so many times that LPN's do not have enough education to start IV's or do pushes. I don't know about you, but THIS PISSES ME OFF!!!! Will educators EVER stop creating a bigger dividing line between RN's and LPN's????? I am so sick of the RN being the ALL KNOWING. I was trained to start IV's in LPN training, as well as tons of medication info. Apparently I was "overeducated", the new term being used today.

I plan to rely heavily on the LPN, as I do now in clinicals, since they are the 'backbone' of patient care.

Why am I becoming an RN????????????????????????????????????

rreed · Mar 18, 2003

where I work LPN's are not allowed to do IV Pushes (other hospitals in the area they can).

New LPN's have to be on the job for 1 yr before they can go to a special IV class (provided by the hospital's education dept) to start IV's and hang IV medications (with the exception of Vanco, Amp B, Heparin, K bolus), they can monitor IV medications but not adjust or hang any until after the IV class is finished. LPN's usually bring the medication to the RN with the MAR for the RN to sign off and hang. RN's are more willing to help if they LPN gets the required medication ready and just gets the next RN that walks by to hang or push the medication for them.

we had an agency LPN (that no longer works) give oral contrast for a CT Scan via IV push.

niteshiftnurse · Mar 19, 2003

check with the SBN in whatever state you work in. In Florida, LPN's are not allowed to do med pushes........not in our scope of practice according to SBN

Darlene K. · Mar 19, 2003

I work in Florida and I can do IV pushes. There are some requirements.... I have my IV certification from LPN school, go thru the hospitals IV push class and have my ACLS. I work for a very large well known hospital.

I don't believe they let agency LPN's do pushes - since they haven't gone thru the hospitals IV course. Unless they are a traveler and are going to be there for awhile.

niteshiftnurse · Mar 20, 2003

Darlene K, I also live in florida and according to SBN, LPN's can not do pushes. I called them several months ago from my directors office and they said it is not in our scope of practice. My question to you is, did you talk directly to the SBN? If not, where did you get your information