delegations to LPN from an RN

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hello all

im a first year nursing student(for RN) in practice questions for the NCLEX and my proffesors tests i always get the questions wrong when it comes to delegating complicated patients to the LPN as a student can anyone help me to distingushig how do i separate this tasks for an RN or to an LPN (if it depends on state or hosp rules just please state your hospitals policy as i wanna get an idea).Also if you are an RN or LPN may you list your duties as a delegee or delegator in your floor/hosp policy. thanks to you all.

P.s does ABC and maslow have anything to do with delegating? any tricks you guys may know how o distinguish duties

Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

In the textbook world of nursing, the LPN is to be assigned only stable patients with predictable outcomes. In the textbook world of nursing, the LPN does not even touch IVs, work with critically ill patients, or work in management. In the textbook world of nursing, the RN is to never delegate the tasks of assessment, teaching, or nursing judgment to the LPN.

But in the real world of nursing, LPNs engage in IV therapy, assume the care of complicated patients with outcomes that are unpredictable, provide patient teaching, perform initial assessments, utilize nursing judgment, function as supervisors, secure employment as managers, and generally don't have an RN around to delegate to them or hover over them. Therefore, it might not be of much help if LPNs in the real working world list their duties since it will not mesh with the textbook version of what we do.

In the textbook world of nursing, the LPN is to be assigned only stable patients with predictable outcomes. In the textbook world of nursing, the LPN does not even touch IVs, work with critically ill patients, or work in management. In the textbook world of nursing, the RN is to never delegate the tasks of assessment, teaching, or nursing judgment to the LPN.

But in the real world of nursing, LPNs engage in IV therapy, assume the care of complicated patients with outcomes that are unpredictable, provide patient teaching, perform initial assessments, utilize nursing judgment, function as supervisors, secure employment as managers, and generally don't have an RN around to delegate to them or hover over them. Therefore, it might not be of much help if LPNs in the real working world list their duties since it will not mesh with the textbook version of what we do.

i guess for like tests given o RN students we should go by what the text says? even thought its different in da real world like u said right . thanks for responding anyone else?

In Ohio, in the LPNs scope of practice, whether it's a hospital or an LTC, the LPN works under the direction of an RN . The RN can delegate to the LPN but it cannot exceed the LPN's scope of practice, essentially the LPN cannot do anything that she has not learned in PN school which pretty much encompasses everything she will be able to do once licensed. The LPN also works under the RN's license.

Specializes in LTAC, Wound Care, Case Management.
i guess for like tests given o RN students we should go by what the text says? even thought its different in da real world like u said right . thanks for responding anyone else?

For tests, you should ALWAYS give the textbook answer. Real world does not apply for exam purposes!

Specializes in Hospice.
In Ohio, in the LPNs scope of practice, whether it's a hospital or an LTC, the LPN works under the direction of an RN . The RN can delegate to the LPN but it cannot exceed the LPN's scope of practice, essentially the LPN cannot do anything that she has not learned in PN school which pretty much encompasses everything she will be able to do once licensed. The LPN also works under the RN's license.

This is partially incorrect. While it IS true that LPNs in Ohio practice under the supervision of RNs OR CNPs, OR MDs, it is NOT TRUE that LPNs practice under the RNs license. As LICENSED practical nurses, we have our own license, and are responsible for practicing safe nursing under the laws regulating the LPN scope of practice.

For example, My DON (The RN) may delegate the task of giving flu shots to our LTC residents to me, a LPN. If for some reason, I decide to give the IM flu shot injections in the EYE, it's MY license that will be revoked, not the license of the RN that delegated the task to me. ( The RN followed the standard for delegation, believing I had the knowledge and training to perform the delegated task, and that the task was well within the LPN scope of practice.)

I have MY OWN license. I DO NOT practice under the license of the DON, but simply under her direction.

Here's another example:

My DON instructs me to flush a PICC line after an IV is completed. I do so. Who's license is at risk here? MINE.

Even though the RN INCORRECTLY delegated a task to me that is NOT within the scope of LPN practice here in Ohio, it is again MY license that is at risk, because I should have known that even if delegated by a RN, the task was not something that I have the training or knowledge to perform, and is not within my scope of practice.

Hope this makes sense. :)

This is partially incorrect. While it IS true that LPNs in Ohio practice under the supervision of RNs OR CNPs, OR MDs, it is NOT TRUE that LPNs practice under the RNs license. As LICENSED practical nurses, we have our own license, and are responsible for practicing safe nursing under the laws regulating the LPN scope of practice.

For example, My DON (The RN) may delegate the task of giving flu shots to our LTC residents to me, a LPN. If for some reason, I decide to give the IM flu shot injections in the EYE, it's MY license that will be revoked, not the license of the RN that delegated the task to me. ( The RN followed the standard for delegation, believing I had the knowledge and training to perform the delegated task, and that the task was well within the LPN scope of practice.)

I have MY OWN license. I DO NOT practice under the license of the DON, but simply under her direction.

Here's another example:

My DON instructs me to flush a PICC line after an IV is completed. I do so. Who's license is at risk here? MINE.

Even though the RN INCORRECTLY delegated a task to me that is NOT within the scope of LPN practice here in Ohio, it is again MY license that is at risk, because I should have known that even if delegated by a RN, the task was not something

that I have the training or knowledge to perform, and is not within my scope of practice.

Hope this makes sense. :)

thanks good to nw this keep em coming yall!!!

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