Hello, I'm an CA LVN and today have been offered a case position with a home health agency. From what I understand, my job will be to arrive at the client's house at 10pm and set up the TPN. I was informed that all I had to do was set up the TPN so it is ready for the RN in the morning. I was told I would be done in about an hour or less. I'm supposed to start tomorrow night for training. Does this sound appropriate for me to do? The lady I was talking to (not a nurse) mentioned about the central line, which is something I thought LVNs weren't allowed to touch. Also, what kind of set up would be involved that couldn't easily be done by the RN in the morning? I'm currently looking through the NPA but I thought it can't help to ask here!
Fiona59 8,343 Posts Has 18 years experience. May 3, 2013 I know in the hospital setting the Travisol must be double checked (just like blood) before the bag can be pierced.I've worked with patients who administer their own TPN regime at home.You need to check with your governing body.
theleaf 35 Posts May 3, 2013 Do you know what kind of 'set up' that would need to be done the night before?
theleaf 35 Posts May 3, 2013 Any admin able to help answer? I called the board and they won't get back to me until next week, but I start training tonight. Former classmates that I asked tell me working with a central line is a nono, which is what I thought. But I can't find anything in the NPA that specifies about TPN/central lines.
JustBeachyNurse, LPN 1 Article; 13,952 Posts Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager. Has 13 years experience. May 3, 2013 Moving to Nursing in California forum to elicit further response. Did you contact CABRN and CABVNPT?
theleaf 35 Posts May 3, 2013 I contacted the CABVNPT but I won't get a reply until Tuesday. I found a sheet from the California Vocational Nurse Educators (updated 2010) and it says infusing tpn or other fluids, blood withdrawal throught central line is not within LVN scope of practice. So it looks like a no. I spoke with the RN from the home health agency and she said another nurse told her as long as I was IV certified and had training with her I was fine to do it. I'm confused and don't want anything to happen to my license.
theleaf 35 Posts May 3, 2013 Also, what would I ask the CABRN? Not really sure since it's an LVN scope of practice question.
JustBeachyNurse, LPN 1 Article; 13,952 Posts Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager. Has 13 years experience. May 3, 2013 CA BRN may offer input on delegation to LVN and scope of practice if it is a RN skill only.
theleaf 35 Posts May 3, 2013 Well, apparently they don't have any nurse educators working on thursdays or fridays, so I'm out of luck there :/
JustBeachyNurse, LPN 1 Article; 13,952 Posts Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager. Has 13 years experience. May 3, 2013 Check your VN school text books and see what is written about TPN, I know it varies between states but I do believe it is relegated to RN's or pharmacist.
akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P 3,494 Posts Specializes in Emergency Department. Has 8 years experience. May 3, 2013 To clarify the question, you're setting up the TPN but not actually connecting it or running it? I believe that actually RUNNING the TPN is out of the LVN scope of practice but the setup of it? Good question...Have you asked the LVN board?
