Lpn's working ER

[Arky]

Question for all the old hands here. I'm an RN and just started working a small rural hospital that uses lpn's to work the ER. I can't understand how they get away with it. I'm not saying that the lpn's don't know how to handle emergencies but legally how can they assess a patient? I've never seen this until now and they tell me the hospital has been doing this for years because they have an RN in the building. How can they push IVP drugs where assessment needs to be made on the patient. There may be an RN in the building but they are not in the ER seeing the patients. Confused........

[leslie :-D]

i haven't the slightest idea.

it certainly wouldn't fly in these parts.

look forward to reading other responses.

leslie

[RN1982]

here we go...

This thread is just going to turn into a "LPN vs. RN" thread. I can see it now.

:chair:

[shelly304]

I get floated once in a while to the ER but there are always several RNs on duty in the ER that I work under.

Do you mean the only nurses on duty in the ER are LPNs and there is an RN SOMEWHERE in the hospital that is responsible?.....Oh my!

[shelly304]

here we go...

This thread is just going to turn into a "LPN vs. RN" thread. I can see it now.

:chair:

:chuckleAs soon as I hit "post" I thought the same thing!!!!:chuckle

[RN1982]

:chuckleAs soon as I hit "post" I thought the same thing!!!!:chuckle

Considering the thread that had everyone in an uproar a few days ago and all the nasty/ignorant comments being slung around...

:sofahider

[MikeyJ, RN]

It all will depend on your state board of nursing and the scope of practice for the LPN.

I have met many LPN's who are more than capable of working in the ER.

[leslie :-D]

It all will depend on your state board of nursing and the scope of practice for the LPN.

I have met many LPN's who are more than capable of working in the ER.

it has nothing to do with capabilities.

it's all about legal sop.

in my state, lpn's cannot do assessments, ivp's, hang blood products, and i think there's a couple more things.

can't remember offhand.

my point being, all of the aforementioned are necessities when working in the er.

leslie

[leslie :-D]

here we go...

This thread is just going to turn into a "LPN vs. RN" thread. I can see it now.

:chair:

gawd, i hope not.

there is no reason why it should.

and, it's a perfectly legitimate question.

leslie

[RN1982]

LPN scope of practice is different for each state. I believe in Michigan LPNs can assess, delegate and push IV drugs.

[Virgo_RN, BSN, RN]

In my state, LPNs can assess and can also give certain IVP meds.

[TRAMA1RN]

Your LPN's will be going out of the ER soon unless you are in a level 1 trauma center. Due to the fact that all patients need to be assessed by an RN. I too have met many LPN's that are more capable than some RN's. But scope of practice is something to consider when becoming a nurse.