Can I delegate this to a LPN?

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in Private Duty, L&D.

I have a dilemma. Patient with PortACath and one LPN on the case. Can I delegate to her to administer the IV abx? Or must I find an RN to work during IV dosage time?

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

I guess a lot will depend on state you are in and what skills they are allowed to perform

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Specializes in LTC.

In IL no unless they are iv certified

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yeah here in NY that would be a no being a central line and if not they can't hang first dose of ABX but it depends on your state and facility regs. Check with the hospital DON.

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Specializes in Hospice, LTC, Rehab, Home Health.

I would check with your policy manual; ours lists the licensure level required to perform each procedure; or you could check your state practice act.

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It may also depend on whether the port needs to be accessed each time, or if an extension is left in for a week at a time.

Your BON /practice act can give you the info!

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Specializes in Family Practice, Mental Health.

Use of the title "LPN", to me, means that the OP is not referring to California, nor Texas. I am unable to give input to your question, as I am unfamiliar with state reg's outside of my home state of California.

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Well, like everyone else says, it depends on your state's scope of practice and your facility or agencies policy.

In my state in my facility I hang IV abx through central lines daily, but I can't hang blood or do IV pushes.

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Specializes in Cardiac Care.

In my facility, that is the domain of the RN...

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Specializes in Private Duty, L&D.

Thanks for the help so far. I am in Wisconsin and work private duty nursing in the patient's home. We have no agency to abide by. Any thoughts on these additional details?

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