LPN goin beyond scope of practice

Nurses Safety

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LPN was doing assessments and discharges on patients. This is beyond her scope of practice but no patients have been harmed as a result of this so if reported the BON will most likely just "tap her on the hand" right? Nursing Staff development came and told her to stop doing it and she has stopped. I figure as long as she nows realizes she shouldn't be doing it, no harm no foul correct?

My only issue is that our Nurse Manager knew she would be doing these things and still hired her in the department and knowingly allowed her to do these tasks???:confused: Its like she didn't care that this could potentially get this nurse and herself in trouble? Or maybe she feels like its not that big a deal and no serious actions would ever be taken if it were ever to be reported?:rolleyes:

Should I bother or not?

Specializes in LTC, Pediatrics, Renal Med/Surg.

Doing things out of scope regardless of what it is doesn't make it right either.

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.
Is reporting to bon not anonymous? Lpns are not resticted that much in the amount of hands on skills they can perform I've read here that it is mainly things that involve the nursing process that they are not allowed to deal with much.

What would possibly be the point to that? I think this is a personal thing with this nurse and perhaps some sour grapes. You reported it to Staff Development. End of story. It is even more puzzling to me why you think an outpatient clinic is such a high risk environment?

You are saying that allnurses has caused you to think things that involve the nursing process LPNs are not allowed to deal with much?

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Specializes in med-surg/ tele.

Just because it's anonymous doesn't mean they won't figure it out... I sure would. Especially since you've already said something about it.

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Specializes in med-surg/ tele.
What would possibly be the point to that? I think this is a personal thing with this nurse and perhaps some sour grapes. You reported it to Staff Development. End of story. It is even more puzzling to me why you think an outpatient clinic is such a high risk environment?

You are saying that allnurses has caused you to think things that involve the nursing process LPNs are not allowed to deal with much?

Agreed... you are a brand new nurse. According to one of your posts, you had a problem with this LPN having this position anyway. You really need to let this go. Your attitude is a prime example of why "nurses eating their young DOES occur".

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Specializes in LTC, Pediatrics, Renal Med/Surg.
What would possibly be the point to that? I think this is a personal thing with this nurse and perhaps some sour grapes. You reported it to Staff Development. End of story. It is even more puzzling to me why you think an outpatient clinic is such a high risk environment?

You are saying that allnurses has caused you to think things that involve the nursing process LPNs are not allowed to deal with much?

*I* did not report her to NSD. Someone else apparently did or it came to their attention from some other means that I was not involved in in anyway whatsoever. I have read on allnurses and on my bon website that the nursing process seems to be the trickiest thing involving lpns and I merely stated that bc a few posters were stating all the things they were legally allowed to do as lpns in their states/facilities.(mainly hands on tasks). I do take issue with following rules when its convenient for them (the nurse manager)and not bothering to be bothered about doing so when its not. I more than likely will let this go however even though its anonymous because the manager I work for will never change. U

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Specializes in LTC, Pediatrics, Renal Med/Surg.
Agreed... you are a brand new nurse. According to one of your posts, you had a problem with this LPN having this position anyway. You really need to let this go. Your attitude is a prime example of why "nurses eating their young DOES occur".
. I might if the favoritism wasn't so blatant in the dept.
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Specializes in Geriatric, Pediatric, Hospice,Psych.

SweetheartRN, It would be best to just leave this issue in the hands of management. Are you a fairly new nurse because you seem very eager to prove yourself. Maybe you should read your facility's policy on what an LPN's scope of practice if you are so concerned about what someone else is doing. It is wise to focus on your own assignment if apparently no harm is being done.

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Why don't you mind your own business? I am an LPN and do stuff like this all the time, as long as there is an RN who cosigns within 24 hours. Seriously, don't you have more important stuff to worry about?

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Specializes in LTC, Pediatrics, Renal Med/Surg.
Why don't you mind your own business? I am an LPN and do stuff like this all the time, as long as there is an RN who cosigns within 24 hours. Seriously, don't you have more important stuff to worry about?

You haven't read the whole thread. But I will really take what you said into strong consideration.;)

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Yep. Read the entire thread. ;)

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Specializes in LTC, Pediatrics, Renal Med/Surg.
Yep. Read the entire thread. ;)

If you did, then why did you feel the need to interject what you do as an lpn in your state and in your facility as if that was supposed to defend another lpn in a different state and facility when the thread covers the subject off laws differing from state to state for lpns?

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Specializes in Geriatric, Pediatric, Hospice,Psych.

SweetheartRN, you have a lot to learn about the nursing profession.#1. You should not assume the role of administration/management by making it your duty to report what you think someone should/should not be doing. #2. Be careful who you throw under the bus because you may be in a situation one day where you need help and no one will come to your aid. #3. Do not have this high and mighty sense of self (because you are an RN)because rememember everyone is a part of the team and each role is important. #4. MIND YOUR BUSINESS, do your own work, focus on administering care to your patients who you are responsible for,and focus on how you can improve yourself to become a stronger nurse.#5. Brown nosing and whistleblowing gets you nowhere.

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