LPN IV Push

thisnurse · Jul 18, 2002

unfortunately we dont have LPN's at our hospital. i didnt think they were allowed to give any IV meds.

Sleepyeyes · Jul 18, 2002

ours are, after passing the IV course

nrw350 · Jul 18, 2002

Please humor my stupidity lol. What is the big deal about a lpn administering iv drugs? I mean, I understand that you would probaly no wanting them administering diprivan (or other drugs such as that) without an MD or Anesthesiaologist nearby. Also, what is so hard about injecting something via iv into someone?

Thanks

Nick

dawngloves, BSN, RN · Jul 18, 2002

I don't see the big deal either, but I've never worked at a place that has allowed LPNs to give IV meds.

nurseratchett29 · Jul 18, 2002

To my understanding, the last I checked, LPN's could administer IV meds and piggyback meds but could not "push" IV meds. Another limitation was that LPN's could hang K+ if it was less than 10 meq per liter. Lpn's also could not mix IV bags but could reconstitite vials such as Rocephin. Also, LPN's could administer blood but could not be the first signature, only the second concurring signature and had to be oversseen by a MD or RN during the administration. Chemo IV was also an exclusion to the license. This was in RI and MA a few years ago. Also, the veterans administration system. Hope this helps, but each state and institution will have a different policy.

dianas · Jul 18, 2002

I am an LPN I orignally started my nursing in Virginia. I could do all I pushes in that facility. I could hang blood. I also could do dialysis We did exactly as the RN once we were IV certified. In Florida LPN's can't do much. Its like you are not even a nurse just a tech. In Virginia I could also take c-lines, and picc lines out I could insert porta cath huber needles. I sure wish I was an RN now that I live in Fl:rolleyes:

RNConnieF · Jul 18, 2002

In PA, by license LPN can not hang blood or push meds. Some facilities further restrict LPN's invlovment with IV meds.

2rntish · Jul 18, 2002

I would like to see the policy EXPANDED. I was just not ready for the wide range of responses from facilites within our neck of the woods. As long as the LPN demonstrates competency, they should be allowed to push the majority of drugs on our formulary.

nrw350 · Jul 18, 2002

What is the difference between an IV Push and having a drug administered via IV?

Thanks.

Nick

Dr. Kate, BSN, RN · Jul 18, 2002

Here in California, LV/PNs can't push IV drugs. But, if you can then you must treat them the same way you do any drug you give. You need to know the actions, expected reactions, side effects, interactions, contrindications, dosing, and way to mix and give the IVP drug you're giving.

Be careful out there.

Love-A-Nurse · Jul 18, 2002

lpns are not allowed to do iv pushes where i am from.