LTC facility, can an LPN adjust TPN?

Nurses LPN/LVN

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I am in the great state of Florida. I am an LPN in a LTC facility. I have a new TPN pt. I work 11p-7a. His orders are at 6p to run at 100ml/hr for 1 hr, then adjust to 180ml.hr for 10 hrs, then 100 ml/hr for 1 hr, then it comes down at 6am. I understand this. My question is can an LPN who is not IV certified adjust and take down the TPN? Or does it have to be an RN?? I asked my ADON... we called the Pharmacy and they said LPNs can but I thought I was taught NO LPNS could do anything with TPN?? Who is right??

Specializes in peds-trach/vent.

Dont you have an RN nursing supervisor during the shift who could take a few minutes to adjust the rate?

I wouldn't touch it:nono:.. Neither would I trust anyone else besides the BON, telling me what my NPA says I can do. Print out a copy of your state NPA and keep it in your work bag, familarize yourself with it, also write the BON number on it for quick reference. Your license (lively hood) is the one that would be at stake if something goes wrong.:twocents:

Where I live, no. PNs dont do much with the TPN

When did TPN become a LTC issue? Thought that was an acute care or even ICU field.

Specializes in Hospice / Ambulatory Clinic.

If in doubt let someone else take the risk. Might seem like a simple thing but its a way to let someone else *notbenicetoyou* over later.

In the sate of PA, TPN is one of 4 things an LPN Cannot do, must be done by an RN..I would check with State Board of Nursing...

Specializes in Critical care, tele, Medical-Surgical.

Florida Board of Nursing

4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin # C02

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3252

Phone: (850) 245-4125 Fax: (850) 245-4172

Website: Board Overview - Florida Board of Nursing - Board Overview

thank you all for all your input! I appreciate it.

I know at the facility where I work in PA, there are TPN patients that are temporary rehab patients in the subacute rehab section. I am an RN now, but as an LPN student, I was taught LPN's were to have nothing to do with anything entering a central line. I know some LPNs at our facility were doing the TPN. I told them to call me or another RN to take care of it.

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