Is it illegal for an Lpn to sign when it requires Rn signature?

[smartnurse1982]

I have never thought about this before,but I see it all the time.

When I was an lpn working in LTC and a new admit came,I performed the assessment and signed my name without the Lpn title next to it. I know that legally I wasn't allowed to perform an intial assessment,but the Rn's used to refuse.

The forms would look something like this

Rn signature:

Even when an Rn signature isn't required,like when a pt comes back home from dialysis,the transport forms would have:

Receiving Rn signature:

Yet,my coworkers who are Lpn's sign it without the lpn title.

Am I wrong to assume when a form has "Rn" written on it that it really means any nurse regardless of title?

[VANurse2010]

Just sign your name with your correct credentials. You're just acknowledging the receipt of the patient; it's not a credentialing debate.

As far as your admission assessments, LTC/SNF facilities have 24 hours to complete an assessment upon admission - so if you're that concerned about it, have your manager co-sign the next day.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

Ahh - that makes it a bit clearer. It's basically an incongruency between your employer and the transport company. The paperwork doesn't mesh.

PP was correct, you should point out this discrepancy to your manager... form says "RN", but apparently, your facility's standard process is for an LPN to actually do the task/work. This needs to be straightened out before it becomes an issue. It may not be a big deal, but the form should still be changed... maybe just say "receiving nurse signature" rather than specifying RN; that is redundant anyway since the signature always has to include title.

This.

It's not illegal, just a discrepancy.

When I was a LPN, I had no issues signing transport forms; if my pt or resident is being received to me, of course I am going to be responsible for the pt and sign for my pt and I would put LPN behind my signature; I would NEVER leave my credentials off.

[HappyWife77, BSN, RN]

You are working in your role as an LPN....always sign your name and title on everything you sign your name on.

Leaving your title off is like you know it's wrong but your signing it anyways. If something bothers you like this...ask your DON or supervisor so you can clear it up and practice with confidence.