How to get into ICU nurssing as a LPN

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I have been a LPN for some years. I want to work in the ICU. What are some things I can do, on my own. As far as skill sets to study, to self prepare myself, thank you.

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Specializes in ED, ICU, Heme/Onc.
I have been a LPN for some years. I want to work in the ICU. What are some things I can do, on my own. As far as skill sets to study, to self prepare myself, thank you.

Your scope of practice is defined by your state's board of nursing and then the facility itself as to what you are as an LPN allowed to do on your own, and what requires an RN to complete.

There are a lot of vasoactive drips that require titration and IV push meds with the unstable vent patients that are typical to the ICU. Frankly, if I were an RN with two or three ICU patients and I had to titrate drips for another two or three patients, it would be extremely unsafe, and I would have to think twice about working for a place that would put that expectation on an RN. If there are others who work in this situation where it works out, I'm sure that the OP would be interested in hearing about it. (I would too.)

I am by no means putting down you or your education. I don't want this turning into an LPN vs. ADN vs. BSN vs. MSN debacle... we are all nurses - I too am interested in seeing if this can work out for the OP.

Blee

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Specializes in Trauma ICU, MICU/SICU.
I have been a LPN for some years. I want to work in the ICU. What are some things I can do, on my own. As far as skill sets to study, to self prepare myself, thank you.

You should study for you RN. I don't believe an LPN can work in ICU due to drips/IVP. I definitely no it is a big NONO in my state.

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The only LPNs that I have seen for some years in the ICU have been those that had been there for years and years. You are going to find it nearly impossible to get a job in the ICU without having the RN after your name. And as mentioned above, this is due to the requirements of your nursing board as the limits on what you can do and cannot do.

Most of the patients have medications that cannot be given by the LPN, and pressors that need to be titrated, etc.

It would be much easier for you to get that job if you want by first completing a bridge program and getting your RN.

Best of luck to you.

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Specializes in Peds, PICU, Home health, Dialysis.

Like the others said, you would have to look at State Board of Nursing website and look at what you are allowed to do as an LPN. Most states limit LPN's from doing certain things (usually IV pushes and other IV medications), thus working in an ICU setting probably wouldn't be very safe because an RN would have to help care for the LPN's patients.

Furthermore, I am betting that most hospitals would prefer not to hire an LPN into the ICU setting. There are probably LPN's with experience who could probably do very well in the ICU -- and I would encourage those LPN's to go back and get their RN.

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If I were to not work in the ICU (though I have been floated there), as regular staff, what would be the next best area, that I could work, as a LPN, that would help prepare me for the ICU. Thank you so much for the responses thus far.

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Specializes in Med-Surg/Tele.

It would never happen at any hospital around these parts. I understand how you feel, too, because I was an LPN, and I had the same assignments/ pt ratios as the RN's on my floor, but I still had to go get one of them or the charge nurse to do my IV pushes. And that was just a med/surg unit, as opposed to an ICU with cardiac drips, ect. My hospital won't even hire LPN's anymore. (Not saying I agree with that!) Good luck!

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Specializes in CCU,ICU,ER retired.

I am a LPN that worked in ICU for over 27 yrs. I started as a tech, went to LPN school, and was hired in my unit in CCU. IN oklahoma many of the hospital will hire LPN's but usually you have to have the experience I would suggest an arrythmia course, ACLS, and bone up on the drips that are used in the unit.

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I agree with Blee. I don't think that LPNs can do a lot of the things that ICU nurses do (at least in my state - I'm sure other states have different rules). Not to say that LPNs aren't good nurses - I know tons of extremely awesome LPNs that have taught me plenty and given me great career advice that I have taken to heart.

I wouldn't feel comfortable titrating drips, etc. for another nurse's patient, though (in addition to my own patients).

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

There are some hospitals in my area that do have LPNs in ICU (mine being one of them), but their skills are limited to administering medications and telemetry monitoring.

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I am a LPN that worked in ICU for over 27 yrs. I started as a tech, went to LPN school, and was hired in my unit in CCU. IN oklahoma many of the hospital will hire LPN's but usually you have to have the experience I would suggest an arrythmia course, ACLS, and bone up on the drips that are used in the unit.

Thank you, I have books on ACLS and have arrythmia's, I have been self studying. I want to understand, the concepts, well before I enter a classroom. Thank you. :nuke:

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So far I have gathered from you guys is that, I could be self-studying:

*Types of ICU drips, titrations

*ACLS,

*ACLS meds

*Cardiac rhythms recognitions and treatment

*Knowledable abt lab values, esp critical values, and be able to understand the meanings

Is there anything else, or area, I could be add on to this list.

Thank You all.:heartbeat

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