LPN's giving Rhogam

CrunchRN, ADN, RN · Jun 3, 2005

It is considered an injection when given. You are not governed by the blood product rules. MA's can give it also. I am sorry I don't have a link, I only know this from 10 years of ambulatory Ob/Gyn experience. Now these experiences were in Arizona and Seattle, but i don't imagine it is different in NY. Hope that helps.

GN1974 · Jun 3, 2005

I checked on the website of NYS Nursing Board and can not find an answer regarding LPN giving Rhogam injections in OB/GYN ambulatory care. Would anyone have a link that I could use to find this answer? Rhogam is a blood product.

I had a MA give it to me at my ob/gyn office during my last pregnancy. I see no reason why an LPN can't administer it. It is a blood product but does not require the checks and verification of transfusions...or the monitoring.

Karen

baby&mommynurse · Jun 3, 2005

I have given many Rhogam injections... of course, it's always checked when recieved and I always check again prior to administering.

Sorry. Don't have a link for you to check out.

mommatrauma, RN · Jun 3, 2005

Our LPNs give it...It just has to be double checked with an RN...

peds2002 · Jun 3, 2005

I know this is being done by LPN's but I need a resource to show this is okay in the state of NY. Just because a nurse is performing a skill does not mean the skill should be performed. I think it is okay as well for an LPN to give the Rhogam. The facility does not have a policy at this time. And, there are questions if it is legal for a LPN to give.

Leda · Jun 4, 2005

Although a blood product Rhogam is classified as an immune globulin (pharmacologic class) and a vaccine/immunizing agent (therapeutic class). Therefore it is analgous to giving an immunization. So, if LPNs in NY can administer immunizations, they should be able to administer Rhogam.

You are correct in your line of thinking that just because a nurse performs a skill doesn't mean it is withing the scope of their practice. However in this instance my sense is you will find it is within the scope of practice for the LPN.