LPNs NOT Medicating??

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Sep 3, 2009

That would make sense to me - LPNs generally cannot do "assessments" of patients, and PRN meds are given after you've assessed that they are required.

That's correct, at least here in California, we're not allowed to do the initial assessment. They call it "health data collection" which is the same thing but we do it after the initial assessment is done. I'm unsure, but maybe a LVN/LPN that's been one since the dinosaurs roamed can shed some light regarding this, but I've heard that LVN/LPN used to be able to do assessments, but that was taken away from them.

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Sep 3, 2009

By the way, passing medications comprises about 75 to 80 percent of my job duties at my current workplace. Texas also allows LVNs to give narcotics and IV-push medications, basically everything except hang and spike blood.

Regarding IV push and hanging blood, it's the opposite here in California. Here we're not allowed to do IV push because it goes straight to the system so we're gold. But isn't also hanging blood?? We pass medications too including narcotics. I don't see why a LPN/LVN can't give narcotics.

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Sep 3, 2009

It's interesting because here our LVN program had focused a lot on pharmacology. We had a 4 unit pharmacology class, while the RN program down the road only had 1-2 unit pharmacology class. We practice a lot of IM & SQ, and how to med pass correctly. We did over 300 drug cards, and even learned IV calculations because even though we weren't allowed to touch the IV's (until we became certified) we had to make sure that the IV site was patient, and the drip rate was correct etc. We had a thorough pharmacology class that I'm blessed to have taken.

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Sep 3, 2009

I am an LPN and work in an ER. I do assessments and give meds daily. I participate in all codes and get the meds for the RN to push by IV when she is busy, I do everything except push IV meds and hang blood. I can hand antibiotics if they are premixed. I take chest pains when they come into the ER, follow protocol, etc. I am unlimited to what I can do except the above mentioned. I put NG tubes in and check for placement. That's why the RN's prefer to have us there because unfortunately, even though CNA's work their butts off, they can't give meds and we don't use them in our ER. I wish we did, good CNA's are critical to healthcare. They are the ears and eyes for the nurses and should be treated with upmost respect!

I do agree, the CNA's are vital part of the health care team. They should be treated with respect. But I feel that the reason why they're looked down upon is because of the extent of training ranges anywhere from 6 weeks-4 months. It is a short period of time, but one must also remember that as a CNA there are other courses that they can take to broaden their scope like Rehabilitation Aide course, EKG course, phlebotomy, and in some places there are Acute Care CNA classes that one can take. I haven't seen one in my area lately but I have in the past.

LANNGRIFF · Sep 4, 2009

I am an LPN and I know where I work I assess the patient and give medications as well as prn meds the only thing I can not do is take care of picclines and central lines or do any iv push.

Scorpio,LPN · Sep 5, 2009

Been that way in Iowa for a LONG time, they are CMA's here, but work under LPN or RN, however they have to ask one of us to sign off all the PRN meds BEFORE they give them.

Scorpio,LPN · Sep 5, 2009

Since when do they teach CNA's how to assess? Or change dressings? Or sterile techniques, so on and so forth!!!!! Many hospitals dont use LPN's Why? Because it's cheaper to have a CMA do meds than employ an LPN to do it. And I beg to differ as far as LPN's are not needed, WHY then is there such a cry for LPN's in smaller hospitals RN's dont want to work in? maybe when assessment and other skills are taught to CNA's LPN's wont be NEEDED but until then.......

momtojosh · Sep 8, 2009

does anyone think that sometime in the near future the hospitals or whoever will start to do a turn around in seeing how LPNS are of good value? I am sure there are others like me who just love what they do and it isnt all about the money.....i was a stay at home mom for 20yrs..went back to school and have been working for a yr now and just love it.....sometimes i think i would like to go on to be an RN....then that feeling goes away....so i will wait til LPNs do a come back....might not be in my lifetime..hehe.....but one can hope....

i do all meds as well....even draw blood.....there are no cnas where i work....all LPNs with one RN supervisor who mainly does the paper work....never out on the floor.....she even asked me about some meds the other day.....me and LPN..... :nurse:

have a great all!!

Bobylon · Sep 8, 2009

We do all meds, including PRN, except for IV push and hanging blood.

Essentially the same here....we also can't hang magnesium, insulin, heparin. We need co-signs on certain meds (im hep, insulin), but co-sign can be another LPN. We're permitted to assess for prn meds (virtually always pain meds, it seems), but thorough assessment is done by RNs at the beginning of shift and as needed.

SamiRN · Sep 12, 2009

im confused. i give so many damn meds i wish someone would medicate me. thats all i do! (with the exception of IV push.) we are glorified pill pushers...