LPN statis

LPN's cannot administer meds IV push, but depending on the facility...an LPN can start an IV, but they are working under an RN in doing so. You need to know the particular facilities rules and regulations.

Jean & Houdini

In the state I work , LPN may start IV's and give all medications except IV push or hook up to a central line or port. If fluids are all ready infusing in the line or port ,they may hang the piggy back. This is after they take a IV certification class. Check with the BON of your state.In our state LPNs may not hang Blood or blood products.

While each state's nurse practice act is different, it also varies from facility to facility. In one hospital here, LPNs swear it's against 'state law' for them to push IV meds... yet across town, LPNs can give most IV medications with only a few exceptions (blood, chemo, thrombolytics).

In my state, LPNs may perform venipuncture and administer specific IVP medications through peripheral lines. LPNs may not administer IVP medications through central lines.

As others already mentioned, an LPN/LVN's scope of practice in relation to IV therapy will vary from state-to-state, as well as facility-to-facility.

Here is what WI's State Board of Nursing says:

"acts involving IV therapy may be delegated by the RN to the LPN...These acts include starting peripheral IV lines, adding medication to the intravenous fluids, monitoring of intravenous fluids which carry medication, and monitoring intravenous fluids for hydration purposes. Since these acts are all within the scope of practice of the professional nurse, they may be delegated by the RN to the LPN. There must be willingness on the part of the RN to delegate and on the LPN to accept such delegated acts...The LPN must be competent to perform the delegated acts associated with IV therapy. Competence is based upon appropriate education, training or experience."(taken from "POSITION OF THE BOARD OF NURSING ON PERFORMANCE OF IV THERAPY BY LICENSED PRACTICAL NURSES" found at http://drl.wi.gov/dept/papers/pap04.pdf)

At the hospital where I work, LPNs are allowed to: start peripheral IVs with or w/o the use of lidocaine; hang all types of IV fluids, including with or w/o potassium; hang all types of IVPBs, including potassium; and flush a capped peripheral IV line(excluding PICCs). Here's what LPNs can't do: access a capped PICC, central venous line, or implantable port; hang the 1st dose of an IVPB antibiotic; hang blood; start &/or discontinue a PCA; and give IV push meds.