LPN IV scope

[Wigglerwilli]

So I emailed the OBN for proper clarification, but anyone hear of the changed law in March of 2013 allowing LPNs to maintain and administer fluids or ATBs through a Central and/or PICC line? I was taught this in my recent IV cert class and we were all competencied at my last job. New job is questioning it. From what I understand an IV certified LPN can do these things but not initiate the PICC or d/c a central or PICC line. Also not change the needless connector.

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

It all depends on if the facility/agency will allow you to do it.

There are a lot of states that are clear that the only thing an LPN can not do is to direct an RN clinically. The rest is up to competence, and showing competence.

But here's the biggie....most facilities/agencies will not allow LPN's to do any number of clinical tasks, regardless of what their BON scope is. "Because it has always been that way", and are not invested at all in widening the scope of an LPN--for those who still employ them.

If any number of LPN's bring up any sort of "Hey, guess what? The law has changed! I am IV certified, and now that includes part of PICC and Central lines!!" THEN comes the "BSN in 10" talk from management, and how we all need to be everlastingly grateful we still have jobs that are not whittled down to a glorified aide.

Then, by next week, you may find that THIS is now the new talk....as opposed to LPN's being able to acquire new skillsets.....they have more and more taken away.