Published
I think it varies by state (in the U.S. anyway). I'm in Michigan. In school I was taught how to maintain IV access, hang fluids, calculate drip rates, and remove IVs. I got training through my employer on venipuncture, but only for obtaining samples. I can't start an IV or change a PICC dressing.
I know some LVN programs in california included a phlebotomy course. Course my program didnt which is sad considering it was 31,500 for the tuition.
Class of '72 here, we didn't have what you have today, but we did need to know how to hang the old glass bottles, calculate drips, understand all IV meds being given to watch for adverse affects, and co-sign and not hang but monitor blood products and we could DC periferal IVs.
I took a 6wk phlebotomy course (different from an IV course) to get certified but years ago I learned how to draw blood and did it in clinic settings, the RN super just taught us.
What state you live will determine what is taught in your program based on the scope of practice in each state. It is extremely varied and here is a link to a list of states and the scope for LPN's pertaining to IV's.
(be sure to check with your BON for any changes):
http://nursing.advanceweb.com/article/lpns-and-iv-administration.aspx
There is no phlebotomy training included in the LPN program. But there is a class you can take called phlebotomy. I'm not sure if IV certification would be the same as the phlebotomy certification...clarification??
Either way, my school doesn't offer it so I'll have to find other ways to get IV certified if phlebotomy isn't the same.
We had IV Therapy I and II. We learned about IV fluids, meds, dosage calculations, drip rates, etc. We had to do one check off of a real IV start on another student in class and could attempt in clinicals if the opportunity came up. However we didn't really have a phlebotomy course. Most nursing programs don't include that skill, it can be learned on the job.
angiebear
10 Posts
How many LPN's had phlebotomy including in their course?
I was browsing and noticed some lpn's did not have this training included. I was very suprised.
I start next monday :yeah:and am hoping that it is included. Will find thursday during orientation