Do LPNs work in LTAC?

luixbeauty · Aug 12, 2012

Hello,

I worked at Northern California Rehabilitation Hospital. I worked on the LTAC floor. Yes they do hire LVN's. Here in Ca an LVN is a nurse. You have your own patients usually 4-6 like the RN's. You are responsible for everything there is no RN holding your hand. The only thing you would need an RN for are certain IV meds like a PCA.

born2circulateRN · Aug 12, 2012

I've never worked in an LTACH before as a licensed nurse but I have completed a clinical rotation in a LTACH during nursing school. And yes, LPNs were employed there. At this specific LTAC, the LPNs were assigned a 1:6 ratio of patients who were with lower acuity and the RNs were assigned a 1:3 ratio with a higher acuity. Just as the previous posted stated, LPNs do provide all of the patient care that's within their scope of practice. So, to simply answer your main question...yes, LPNs do work in LTACH :-)

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Aug 12, 2012

Working in an LTAC as an LPN depends on the individual state regulations that are regulating the LPN scope of practice. Some States that regulate the practice of the LPN in acute care makes allowances for the LPN practice in the LTAC. The LPN is still is under the

direction" of the RN and in my state means that the LPN does most for the patient. They can give "certain IVP meds but may mix others in a piggyback, after checking with the RN and have passed a med competency exam. They may administer blood which is "started" by the RN they do the admissions if the "assessment is done by the RN". They are pretty independent....in my state.

BrandonLPN, LPN · Aug 12, 2012

Thanks for the responses everyone. Good information to know!

knuss · Aug 12, 2012

I've seen sub-acute facilities that hire LPNs, but it seems most LTAC hospitals go by the RN/tech model. Any one work in a LTAC that uses LPNs? What are their duties? Do they take pt assignments or is it more of a "team nursing" approach?

I work in an LTAC and have for the past 1.5 yr as an LPN. I also worked there 2.5 yr as a nurses assistant. We do take patient assignments and have an average of 6 pt in a set. We take care of our pts the same as the RN's. The only things we don't do the care plans and new admits. We handle everything else and I have learned alot by working in one. I am also IV certified so we hang all the antibiotics and deal with TPN too. Hope this helps!! :):) I truly love what I do as I help take care of those that can't take care of themself at this time.