Difference between RNs and LPNs and what they can do.

Here is an interesting article that reviews some of the differences between the RN and the LPN. Scroll down to Appendix B for the IV standards. But you need to research the Nurse Practice Act in your state for the specifics, as the states' rules all differ.

http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/healthworkforce/reports/lpn/lpn6_C.htm

Here is an interesting article that reviews some of the differences between the RN and the LPN. Scroll down to Appendix B for the IV standards. But you need to research the Nurse Practice Act in your state for the specifics, as the states' rules all differ.

http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/healthworkforce/reports/lpn/lpn6_C.htm

Thanks for providing the link, Catlady!

I'm a former Paramedic who is a Resident Assistant at an assisted living facility. I am starting CNA school on Monday, July 10. As a Paramedic I could do things that RNs could not do, such as intubate patients. Am I right to understand that LPNs cannot push iv meds but RNs can? What is the difference in the LPN nursing classes and the RN nursing classes? I am going through the LPN program here in SC because the wait list for the colleges in my area are at least 3 years long. I am only going to wait a year to get started on the LPN program and by that time, I"ll have my pre-reqs finished. Is there a pharmacology class that LPNs can take and be allowed to push iv meds? Do LPN programs offer pharmacology or is that just part of the RN programs? Is there a LPN that can take an IV class and start IVs? I really like this site and have found many useful threads that have helped me learn things. Thank you for that. I'll be a nursing student this fall and I just have not found much other than here to answer these questions. I don't know what the different nursing classes are? Is there a place here that will help me to understand these things while going to school? Thank you for a good web site. Beth in SC

I am an LPN in North Dakota and I am IV certified and yes I can push meds by IV. I however can not push any vasoactive meds or hang blood products nor monitor the patient recieving blood products. I am allowed to start heparin, titrate drips according to protocol. I start IV's hang IVPB and all that goes along with being IV certified. I however have been through a 2 year associated degree program. Not sure if that is why we are allowed to do so much or not.