Initial assessments ?

[Leelee2]

In my state, it is not within the scope of the LPN to do initial assessments. Though I have noticed at this facility, many LPN's are willing to go and do the assessment ("gather data"= do the assessment) Then they have an RN sign off on their assessment. I am wondering A) is that even legal?? and B) what if you are not comfortable with that? Am I wrong to refuse?

Seems to me there are a few differences between an LPN and an RN, and this is one of them!

[Asystole RN]

I was unable to find a written Scope of Practice for LPNs in the state of Wisconsin.

Chapter 441 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code,

SubChapter N 6.04 Standards of Practice for Licensed Practical Nurses

(e) Perform the following other acts when applicable:

1. Assist with the collection of data

2. Assist with the development and revision of a nursnig care plan

You must report your findings to the RN, it is up to the RN to verify your findings and form the patient's health assessment.

To answer your questions

A) Gather the initialdata from a patient and report it to the RN, yes it is legal.

B) Why would you be uncomfortable with gathering data? Report your findings to the RN, it is their responsibility to verify your findings and fill in the holes. Yes it would be wrong to refuse to observe, gather, and report data.

[BackfromRetirement]

In this state, an RN must do the admission assessment.

[makes needs known]

Some RN's like to pass off to the LPN. They are too busy and 'they trust you'. But when surveyors come in and see that the LPN is signing the assessments they are not happy. We have been through this. Now RN's have to do the initial assessment and all wound assessments in our facility.

[Leelee2]

Some RN's like to pass off to the LPN. They are too busy and 'they trust you'. But when surveyors come in and see that the LPN is signing the assessments they are not happy. We have been through this. Now RN's have to do the initial assessment and all wound assessments in our facility.

Thanks for your response. That's pretty much what i was thinking. I guess, I am just not willing to be putting my license on the line, for an RN who may "sign off" but not really do her own assessment on the patient as well.

Thanks again for your response.

[BackfromRetirement]

Trust? Imagine what an attorney would do to that in a court of law? If LPN misses something and RN signs off on assessment, you already know the answer.

[makes needs known]

Ha! Our DON used to also say the LPN could "take measurements' for the RN, and then just have the RN sign. They told the LPN's who objected that taking measurements and describing a wound bed was not the same as assessing. They are singing a different song now.