Can LPN's work alone?

[melissa_rn]

Can LPN's work by themselves? For example, at a residential treatment facility where there is typically only one nurse working at a time, can that nurse be an LPN?

[nckdl]

I believe it depends on what kind of work that the facility requires. A lpn can work alone as long as everything is within her scope of practice and a Rn is available to reach in case something does arise out of the scope. We have an assisted living facility with only 1 lpn for the building with a rn on call. Hope this helps.

[melissa_rn]

I believe it depends on what kind of work that the facility requires. A lpn can work alone as long as everything is within her scope of practice and a Rn is available to reach in case something does arise out of the scope. We have an assisted living facility with only 1 lpn for the building with a rn on call. Hope this helps.

We always have an RN on call, and typically the LPNs are only doing med passes and first aid...

[RNPATL, DNP, RN]

We always have an RN on call, and typically the LPNs are only doing med passes and first aid...

Melissa - it is always a good idea to check the regulations that govern your facility and State. I know for North Carolina and Florida, there are clear staffing guidelines for SNF and assisted living in relationship to when an LPN can be left to supervise the entire facility. The fact that you have an RN on call is good and probably covers your facility.