LPNs and Verbal Orders/IV Therapy

[HealthyNurse]

What are LPNs able to do at your agency? Specifically, can they take verbal orders from a physician or otherwise alter the plan of care? If they do take verbal orders, are the orders co-signed by an RN?

Do LPNs at your agency do anything with IV therapy in the home?

Thank you!

[annaedRN, RN]

With us, the LPNs routinely see established, more chronic patients - for wounds, catheters, ostomies, med teaching/prep or cardiovascular assessments. The IVs are done by RNs - mainly because 95% are central lines. Yes, LPNs can take verbal orders and yes, an RN co-signs them. They can make adjustments to the plan of care but it is to be done only with agreement/after discussing any changes with the RN case manager - with whom "the buck" ultimately lies. That being said, the LPNs that work with me are AWESOME and I really respect their nursing judgments.

[KateRN1]

LPNs do not do IVs because our insurance carrier doesn't allow it. For LPNs to do IVs, we'd have to up our insurance coverage to the point that it would be prohibitive. Yes, they take orders, no they don't have to be co-signed. LPNs are a licensed discipline, therefore able to take orders from physician/designee.

[Lacie, BSN, RN]

Our LPN's due venipuncture for labs but do not start or monitor IV infusions or PICC lines.