delegations to LPN from an RN

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Mar 11, 2010

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.

scholarshipboy · Mar 12, 2010

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?

guest2210 · Mar 12, 2010

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.

DaniLPN2RN · Mar 12, 2010

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!

RNBearColumbus, BSN · Mar 23, 2010

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. :)

scholarshipboy · Mar 24, 2010

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!!!