lpn's in ER

Uptoherern, RN · Dec 22, 2001

i have no problem with an EXPERIENCED LPN in the ER...afterall, LPN's in my facility can start IV's and give all meds, except pushes. What difference does it make? We always have 2 RN's no matter what, so with the 3rd nurse being an LPN would be fine with me. We are a 10 bed, level 2 trauma ed.

LilgirlRN, ADN, RN · Dec 22, 2001

We used to have LPN's working every shift in our ER, now we only have one and when she leaves her position will be filled with an RN. I have no qualms about working with an experienced LPN such as yourself. Used to be just me and an LPN for the night shift, I had to depend on her for a lot of things if it got busy. She was a good nurse and eventually went on to get her RN. Unfortanately, I don't have any information for you about LPN positions in the ER other places. Good luck in finding a position that you enjoy. :)

sgavette · Jan 27, 2002

I think that LPN's should be allowed in the ER as long as they are experienced. On weekends during the day where I work, there is a LPN on. She does meds (except pushes), vitals, treatments, IV's, etc. I feel that you are better off to have an LPN then a tech.

4XNURSE · Feb 19, 2002

countryair41,

Why not? LPNs/LVNs have at least as much training as any EMTs. We have EMTs working in ERs all the time out here. I've worked with several LVNs that were better nurses than some of the RNs. We all come in to work. You do the job to the best of your practice, and shouldn't have to apologize for anything.

CEN35 · Feb 23, 2002

no idea? our er is all rn's

me :)

teeituptom, BSN, RN · Mar 5, 2002

Howdy yall

from deep in the heart of texas

The Er Im working in is all RN with the exception of a handfull of techs, to do tech stuff. I know the administration here will never allow lpn/lvns in the Er anymore. Has nothing to do with bad experiences or anything. Just that the way they interpret the laws of texas. or whatever, they feel you need to only have Rn s in the Er.

Keep it in the short grass yall

teeituptom

Trauma Columnist · Mar 22, 2002

I was an LPN for two years while completing an RN program. In Illinois, at least in the level I where I work, we don't have LPNs anymore - they phased them out about five years ago. It just got to be very tedious to have to sign off on the assessments and do all the IV meds. However, we still have LPNs in the urgent care facilities.

MQ Edna · Mar 24, 2002

Not a great idea, in my opinion...too much falls back on the RN. Also, a lack of skill (e.g. pt needed a push cardiac med, LPN drew it up, came up to me and said, "My pt needs some push cardizem, here, I got it ready for you." She couldn't understand why I didn't want to give it.

Lack of understanding ekg's, interventions, etc. And as a result, all the easy pts go to the LPN's and the difficult pts to the RN...ya know, once in a while a sprain or migraine would be nice.

LerRN95 · Mar 24, 2002

I have two LPN that work in our ER. They work from 11a-11p when it is the busiest. They are experienced nurses and I perfer them over calling some RN's from the floor for help in most situations. They do not all lack understanding of EKG's ect. These LPN's are required to take and pass ACLS and PALS, just like the rest of us.

They are a GREAT help, when you are the ONLY RN in the ED. JMPO

Momfergie · Mar 27, 2002

Originally posted by fab4fan
Not a great idea, in my opinion...too much falls back on the RN. Also, a lack of skill (e.g. pt needed a push cardiac med, LPN drew it up, came up to me and said, "My pt needs some push cardizem, here, I got it ready for you." She couldn't understand why I didn't want to give it.

Lack of understanding ekg's, interventions, etc. And as a result, all the easy pts go to the LPN's and the difficult pts to the RN...ya know, once in a while a sprain or migraine would be nice.

Wow, that's harsh.... I'm an LPN with over 15 years experience and I work in the ER. I'm required to be ACLS and PALS certified, can read ekg's just fine, can start lines and am often given 'difficult patients'. I feel I'm very skilled and am very much a contributing member in my department. As with all professions, there are good and bad.

Nittlebug · Mar 27, 2002

Wait a second. Now, I agree that having experienced personel in the ER is important, but the last I heard, LPNs still cannot give IV push meds, correct? Or is this different state to state? A huge number of ER patients get IV push meds and need RN assessments, so why should I (as an RN) have to do those tasks for an LPN when I already have a pt load? That's not fair, and I would speak out against hiring an LPN in our dept. based on just that.