LPNs and IVs

[hottiemom04, BSN, RN]

I recently moved to Pa and am looking for information regarding LPN scope of practice when it comes to IVs, not just insertions but also medication administration. An LPN is allowed to hang an IV ABT right...??!:thnkg:

[blinks14]

In PA an LPN can hang an IV abx through a peripheral line only.

[withasmilelpn]

Actually LPNs may hang IV medications through a central line or peripheral in PA as the scope of practice does not specify a vector. You must be IV certified. It also depends on the facility's policy. Many facilities limit the scope of your practice. I have two jobs for example, and am IV certified. One doesn't allow me to do anything with IVs, peripheral or otherwise.

[Straydandelion]

It also depends on the facility's policy

I'm not in PA but have seen policies of what LPN's can do change almost every other year in different facillities. Even in the same city facillities can be different.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

Keep in mind that there is a state policy as well as a facility policy. The facility can limit but cannot exceed what the BON says is in the scope of practice for the LPNs and RNs. I would go to the website of the BON in your state and obtain an email address or phone number to call them when there is a question. Mine is very forthright and available. I have emailed the same woman on several occasions and she usually answers me with document files for proof within hours. What I do then, is email the documents to my job email address and save them, in case I have to retrieve them.

[hottiemom04, BSN, RN]

So you need to be IV cert. just to hand a ABT in a peripheral line???!!! what about hanging fluids? that too....?????!!!! i'm form NY and was never censored in my practice so much.

[anononurse]

Is the LVN allowed to mix AND hang the IV meds? Just curious, as we don't have LVNs where I work.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

Is the LVN allowed to mix AND hang the IV meds? Just curious, as we don't have LVNs where I work.

I can and do. Again, it depends on the state BON and facility policy. There are states where the scope of practice for the LPN is quite broad, but the facility itself limits them. For example, I can mix drugs and administer into peripheral lines. I can hang potassium and magnesium sulfate, but can't administer a flu or pneumococcal vaccine unless they are screened by an RN (even with a patient specific order from a physician). Now, isn't that insane?? Potassium and Magnesium can kill, but these two vaccines, my facility thinks we are too stupid to ask if they have egg allergies, or know that a person with several comorbidities should be vaccinated for pneumonia.

[withasmilelpn]

Actually, I left out no bolus medications,anesthesia, or pain meds can be given either. (Like CADD MSO4).

[caliotter3]

Info about this and other subjects can be found on the website in my state. Otherwise one can contact the board with questions. This info is also covered in IV certification courses that are mandatory for LVNs. I would suggest you attend an IV certification workshop and get up to date with the requirements in your state.

[hottiemom04, BSN, RN]

You see, that's what I don't understand.....IV cert is mandatory for LPNs??!! I'm not quite sure that that is correct.

[caliotter3]

LPNs can not do IV skills without being certified in many states. That is not saying that all LPNs must get certified in IV therapy. One can choose to not be certified and then not be able to perform these skills and not be eligible for jobs that specify IV certification. For many LPNs, the IV certfication is offered by their schools at the end of their program for those who wish to take it. It is not required to graduate.

In contrast, RNs are not required to take a separate IV cert course. IV skills are part of the RN program and new RN graduates are expected to possess these skills when they graduate. RNs take IV cert courses for their personal satisfaction. HTH