LPN VS RN in outpatient setting

[jkerr2]

I'm looking for information on LPN vs RN scope of practice in outpatient medical offices. I'm currently in LPN in PA and the question has come up. I'm unable to find anything specific besides maybe medication titration ranges. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks in advance!

[BuckyBadgerRN, ASN, RN]

I'm not understanding the question. I'm an rn in an out patient setting. There are things I can do that LPN can't, just like in a hospital or snf

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Setting does not alter scope of practice. Clinical assessment is an RN scope like intake and triage.

[jkerr2]

Thank you for your responses. So my question deals with the specifics of what the LPN can not do an outpatient doctors office. There are no procedures to be done or treatments. So what specifically can the LPN not do in your clinic? I've worked primarily in outpatient clinics for my entire career. I'm trying to figure out where our job roles in the office would differ. In the practice I work in there are patient calls (These patient's are called back, questions are asked, answers are submitted to the MDs, and the patient is called back with recommendations. There are also refills. Document prepping (like fmla forms ect all of which the mds have to look over and sign.) Chart prep (gathering all the information for the md's office notes), rooming (review of systems, med rec and other house keeping things for the chart prior to MD seeing patient) and basically reviewing the information given in the office visit with the patient after the visit. Also immunizations during/after visit.

[Alex Egan, LPN, EMT-B]

PA is not a mother may I state. By that I mean our nurse practice act only forbids specific procedures and practices for LPNs. If your looking for a document of what you can do with every single act spelled out...it doesn't exist.

049 Pa. Code §*21.145.*Functions of the LPN.

and the forbidden procedures are here

049 Pa. Code §*21.145a.*Prohibited acts.

don't confuse facility policy with law. Facilities can restrict practice in any way they choose for any reason they choose.

In some practice areas there is very little functional difference between RN and LPN. This is due to those particular areas of practice being less acute or/and needing less supervision. I work in homecare. I cannot case manage, but for field nursing there is generally no difference in the duties of the RNs or the LPNs. Same for the summer camp I work at.

also remember PA has a pretty wide open practice act for LPNs. In other states there are more restrictions.

[jkerr2]

Thanks! I'm working my way through facility policy now. I appreciate all the responses!

[Archerlpvn, LPN, LVN]

In the state that I'm in, Oregon, LPNS can do a level of triage- in person and telephonic.