LPNs and Central Venous Lines?

[Nurse4Life1213]

Hello! Im a 20 yr old LPN from Ohio. I recently became IV certified through my RN program. At the nursing home in which i have been employed for the last year, our DON wants us to flush and hepranize PICC lines. According to what we all (the nurses in our facility who have become IV certified) learned, we are not to touch PICC lines. The DON says she spoke with the Ohio state board of nursing and that it is okay, she has offered an optional demonstration on how to do it. Has any one heard of LPNs doing this? Thanks for your feedback!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

As IV-certified LVNs in Texas, we're permitted to flush central lines and administer certain meds through them. However, you'll need to personally check with your state BON to see what their LPN policy is regarding the flushing of central lines.

[gt4everpn, BSN, RN]

In my state, Ny, does not allow for LPNs to do anything through a PICC line! but at my facility the DON has allowed us to utilize the PICC lines, I guees the DON can override the state's decision!

[Lovely_RN, MSN]

Your DON does not have the power to override state mandated policies!

Is this information written in your facilities policy manual? I bet it isn't and if something happens your DON is going to deny those words ever came from her lips. No PICCS or Central lines for LPNS in NYS and that is clearly stated by the NYS OP.

In my state, Ny, does not allow for LPNs to do anything through a PICC line! but at my facility the DON has allowed us to utilize the PICC lines, I guees the DON can override the state's decision!

Please refer to the NYSNA scope of practice for LPNs regarding IV therapy.

http://www.nysna.org/practice/scope/intro.htm

This is a chart from the NYS OP it is very specific in regards to LPNs, PICCS, and Central lines. It's a NO.

An LPN MAY NOT:

- Flush any central venous line for patency, including PICC lines, central venous chest ports or central venous arm port devices.

http://www.op.nysed.gov/nurse-lpn-iv-longterm.htm

Please don't lose what you have worked very hard for because of your DON; she doesn't care about your license.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

In my state, Ny, does not allow for LPNs to do anything through a PICC line! but at my facility the DON has allowed us to utilize the PICC lines, I guees the DON can override the state's decision!

It would be best if you obtained a more definite response from the NY BON regarding this issue. No facility DON has more power than the state BON, and she'll leave you hanging to dry if anything bad results from the maintenance of PICCs by LPNs in her facility. Believe me when I say that no DON can overrule any BON policy or procedure. Cover your behind!

[Nurse4Life1213]

thanks for your replies i think im just going to have to call the BON myself and get something in writing!

[Virgo_RN, BSN, RN]

In my state, LPNs may flush central lines and administer continuous and intermittent infusions, but may not push IV medications.

[gt4everpn, BSN, RN]

your don does not have the power to override state mandated policies!

is this information written in your facilities policy manual? i bet it isn't and if something happens your don is going to deny those words ever came from her lips. no piccs or central lines for lpns in nys and that is clearly stated by the nys op.

please refer to the nysna scope of practice for lpns regarding iv therapy.

http://www.nysna.org/practice/scope/intro.htm

this is a chart from the nys op it is very specific in regards to lpns, piccs, and central lines. it's a no.

http://www.op.nysed.gov/nurse-lpn-iv-longterm.htm

please don't lose what you have worked very hard for because of your don; she doesn't care about your license.

thankyou all for the responses,i actually have that form that speaks about lpns and picc lines and i have looked it up on the nybon website,i even looked it up in my facilities p&p and it says that a licensed nurse can handle the picc lines, it does not specify rn/lpn. i was very concerned about it and i did take this up with one of the supervisors once and called her to tell her that i wasnt going to do anything beyond my scope of practice regarding the picc lines, but she told me that it wasnt a problem and that the don had specifically allowed it (i'm guessing the issue was brought up before), i definetly will still follow up on this and follow up with nybon, thanks!

[Jolie, BSN]

In my state, Ny, does not allow for LPNs to do anything through a PICC line! but at my facility the DON has allowed us to utilize the PICC lines, I guees the DON can override the state's decision!

Uh. No. She doesn't. If you are performing duties that outside the scope of your state's nurse practice act, you are placing your license in jeopardy!