How to get into ICU nurssing as a LPN

sasha1224 · Mar 9, 2008

I work in an ICU type setting in an LTAC. We have several LPNs on staff. Now granted, our ICU population is not the same as the acute hospitals as most of our patients are trach/vent and peg, however, we do have patients on drips frequently(Dopa, Dobut, Levo, Neo, Propofol, heparin) and the occasional train wreck(recently pt on maxed levo, neo, dopa, pushing 2 liters NS and 4 units blood with a bp 50s/30s). In my facility, LPNs are utilized as nurses(as opposed to a previous place where they were used as aides). The charge nurse(usually) covers the LPN IVs. For me, when I have to cover LPN IVs, the key is knowledge and communication. As an example, 2 different LPNs(both great BTW), the first is more experienced, knows the gtts, great communicator, keeps me updated and can pretty much predict what is needed, the second, doesn't know anything about IV meds they don't give and has difficulty with tele strips, (however gives great care to those of our population that don't have many IV/IVP). If you want to work ICU, you need to beef up on ACLS, telemetry, gtts, IVP meds and you need to be able to communicate effectively with the RN covering you IVs. This is not the time to wage an RN vs LPN war. Work together. :) If we work together, we can get it done!

Nursebarebari · Mar 9, 2008

We have one LPN on our floor (med/surg) unit, she has been there for over 35 yrs. Some times she floates to ICU when their only PCT calls in sick and she does not like it at all. According to her, they use her as a PCT. She is not allow to give any medication, even heparin SQ. All she does is empty foleys, pick up blood/meds, check bld glucose levels, assist with cleaning/turning pts, making beds and the like. Even the med/surg floors at my job are getting ride of them, they are sending them to the nursing homes and clinics. The only few ones left are those whose who have been there for donkey years.

But everywhere is not the same, so GOOD LUCK to you.

Virgo_RN, BSN, RN · Mar 9, 2008

The hospitals in my area are moving away from hiring LPNs and are moving toward preferential hiring of RNs with their BSN. I do know an LPN that was hired in the ICU at my facility, but it is a training position dependent upon her obtaining her RN licensure.

Good luck to you! :)

lindarn · Mar 10, 2008

Due to their limited scope of practice, LPN/LVNs have no business working in places like ICU, ER, PACU. I would never work in a hospital where I would have to work with LPNs and cover care that they are not allowed to do. ICU is busy enough with my own one or two patients, let alone having to do add work that they are not allowed to do.

Lindarn, RN, BSN, CCRN

Spokane, Washington

queenjean · Mar 10, 2008

Our ICU has had LPNs in the past; they are used more in the scope of monitor techs and nurse assistants--but they assist at a higher level, kwim? When you have a pt on a vent, on all sorts of drips, tubes everywhere, it's nice when your aide is actually a nurse with experience in how to handle all this. Simply turning and bathing a pt can be a complex procedure in the ICU; having another nurse help you is better than having an aide help. It's also nice to have help with dressing changes, going a grabbing a med out of the pyxis for you while you are in the room, etc.

I think it would be unusual for an LPN to have his/her own pts in the ICU.

ohmeowzer RN, RN · Mar 10, 2008

we don't have LPN's in our ICU or any of the units. the scope of practice is to limited to work in those areas. my hospital doen't even hire LPN's anymore for any of the floors. i think you should go to school and get your RN , then you can work anywhere you want. if thats what you want to do. i know many excellent LPN's and their skills are awesome.. but the scope of practice is limited so they can't work in these areas. good luck and take care

Virgo_RN, BSN, RN · Mar 10, 2008

we don't have LPN's in our ICU or any of the units. the scope of practice is to limited to work in those areas. my hospital doen't even hire LPN's anymore for any of the floors. i think you should go to school and get your RN , then you can work anywhere you want. if thats what you want to do. i know many excellent LPN's and their skills are awesome.. but the scope of practice is limited so they can't work in these areas. good luck and take care

I am an LPN and I work on a cardiac telemetry floor in a major hospital. I take a full patient load and provide all care except for what is not in my scope of practice. I report to the charge nurse, who is the RN responsible for supervising me.

If I have a patient on a vasoactive or anticoagulant drip or blood, I may not hang the med nor make any rate adjustments, but I can monitor the drip. I can hang fluids, IVPB meds, give SQ, PO, and IV meds through peripheral lines. I can assess, admit, and discharge. I can take physician orders. I can interpret rhythm strips. I can insert IVs, foleys, and straight caths. I can flush central lines, change central line dressings, and administer fluids and antibiotics through central lines. I can hang TPN if it is not the initial bag.

My scope may be limited, but not limited enough to preclude me from making a meaningful contribution to the unit.