Can LPN's give Morphine??

[RNFinally12]

Just need to clarify this. I am thinking NO, but need to double check.

Thank you.

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

Certainly they can if permitted by institutional policy, for PO/IM/SQ. I have seen many do so for years. Why would they not be permitted to give morphine?

In most places, they cannot start IV infusions/PCAs or give IV push meds.

Laws and policies vary from locale to locale,

[LA♥Nurse]

Any other route than IV push, by all means. (in LA, LPNs also initiate & maintain IV therapy, hang IVPG, ect - so a lot varies state to state - also facility to facility.)

[Erikadawn RN]

Why not ?

[futrldnrse]

In NYS LPN's can start IV's and maintain them as long as they've had proper IV infusion training usually provided by the facility. Certain medications like drips etc. can't be started/maintained by a LPN. Morphine in this state can be given by a LPN but I believe they cannot do any IV pushes regardless of medication. I also don't think they can start/maintain PCA pumps either.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

In the state where I reside, LVNs/LPNs certainly give morphine. I was an LVN for four years before I became an RN, and I have administered morphine by way of the oral, sublingual, and intramuscular routes. Most states and facility policies have placed restrictions on LVNs/LPNs regarding the administration of IV narcotics.

[Conqueror+, BSN, RN]

I have started/maintained more IVs than I care to remember. IV push? NO.

[Fiona59]

Sure, sq, oral, IM and change the PCA cartridge. But direct push isn't permitted to ANY nurse on my hospitals floors. Logic being only ER and ICU give them push--if you need it on the floor you are too sick to be there.

[CT Pixie, BSN, RN]

Working in LTC, Morphine is something I have given pretty much routinely through all routes BUT IV. One resident gets morphine tab q12h..I happen to be on one of the shifts the resident gets it.

Add in the fact that the "standard" protocol for our Hospice pts is Ativan and Morphine, I'm always giving both.

As a matter of fact I was giving Morphine q3 hrs on my shift last night.

[RNFinally12]

Sorry if I offended anyone for asking this question. I have been swamped with so many things that I can't focus.

Thank you to all of you for responding. I greatly appreciate it.

[Penelope_Pitstop, BSN, RN]

Sure, sq, oral, IM and change the PCA cartridge. But direct push isn't permitted to ANY nurse on my hospitals floors. Logic being only ER and ICU give them push--if you need it on the floor you are too sick to be there.

I don't think I'd have any patients, in that case!

[txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN]

your kidding right .....i work a hospital floor and we give it all the time....i also am a inpatient hospice rn and give that stuff in bucket amounts iv.....the lvn's i work with give it push all the time....ive never worked anywhere that didn't allow lvn's to push it...

. but direct push isn't permitted to any nurse on my hospitals floors. logic being only er and icu give them push--if you need it on the floor you are too sick to be there.