LPN duties in mother-baby ubit

Dayray, RN · Feb 25, 2004

It really depends on your state and the scope of practice for LPN's there. I worked post partum as an LPN II (here that means I was IV certified). I could start IV's and hang chrystaloids and premixed antibiotics not pitocin. I took an assignment at the beginning of shift and did the same thing to RN's did but if I needed something other then an antibiotic hung I had to get one of the RN's to do it for me.

On most units LPN's take a patient load and take care of them just like RN's do. Of course as an LPN you need to report any abnormal findings to an RN.

gypsyatheart · Feb 25, 2004

Mother-Baby is Post Partum, only w/newborn care....basically it is what we call "couplet care". At least, that's what it is where I am, in all the major hospitals here. Mother Baby is where the mom goes after she delivers, and is "recovered".The mom and baby are transferred from L&D together and they should both be stable. Mother Baby also gets the c-section moms, after recovery. Typical couplet care, you have 4 to 5 couplets per shift. It can be very busy, as you are assessing, teaching, assisting w/breastfdg, prepping for discharge. And most stable vag deliveries go home 24 hrs after delivery, so things can move pretty fast. Most of these moms are fine, some need tons of teaching, though, especially if this is 1st baby, or they're a teen or very young mom, if social problems exist, etc.

As for your being able to run IV's etc, that is gonna depend on your state and your hospital, some LPN's can get IV certified. Most PP moms do not have IV's with the exception of the c-sec moms for the 1st 12-24 hrs post surgery.

It's important to know that mother-baby is not labor&delivery, but it is a good place to start, see if you like the maternal child area, etc

Good luck! :)

Brenda-RN,BSN, WA. · Feb 25, 2004

I worked as an LPN before I became an RN, on a mother/baby unit. It does depend on the hospital, as to how much you can do. I was not allowed to start IV's, or even give IV meds, except antibiotics. Also could not hang blood. It was good experience for becoming an RN. I like having more responsibility. Just ask the hospital what they will let you do. You do not want to go beyond your scope of practice. Good luck.

Hi guys,
I posted this question at LPN corner but no response so maybe you wonderful people here can give me some ideas.
I was offered a part-time evening job as LPN on mother-baby unit while finishing my last semester of nursing school. I had OB rotation last semester in the hospital but haven't met an LPN. What are the LPN duties in post or ante-partum unit? Are they allowed to run IVP? Pitocin? etc.. Sorry, i have no clue. Please enlighten.
thank you very much! I'm excited coz i enjoyed my rotation last semester.