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........

[Arky]

I'm not asking for a lpn vs rn debate. I'm just curious because lpn's cannot assess in this state (Arkansas). I'm just curious if this occurs anywhere else. and for the record I know I'm not as qualified as some lpn's I've met although I'm an RN.

[Arky]

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.

I agree it just seems that the hospital would be smart enough to realize the position their in legal wise.

[RN1982]

I'm not asking for a lpn vs rn debate. I'm just curious because lpn's cannot assess in this state (Arkansas). I'm just curious if this occurs anywhere else. and for the record I know I'm not as qualified as some lpn's I've met although I'm an RN.

It depends on the state and the state's scope of practice for an LPN.

[Klynn-RN]

I was an LPN before I completed my RN. I did hang blood products, IVP, and assessments. It must just differ in each state. I am in Indiana

[penguin2]

We have a few LPNs where I work. They are highly respected by both RNs & the doctors we all work with. They are as good at assessments as the most seasoned RNs. We trust them implicitly. They are also TNCC, ACLS, & PALS certified. I would much rather have my family in the care of a capable LPN than any green new grad. Furthermore, LPNs in my state CAN give IV meds under the direction of an MD in an emergency situation. They are also allowed in their sop in our state, to mix & hang certain IV meds. Our house supervisor is an RN & is available to ER when on duty, as there is another supervisor in house for the other units.

[misslo]

here we go...

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

:chair:

That will only happen if we allow it to. Hopefully a valuable lesson was learned from the last thread.

I personally love a "debate". I like to read all sides and form an opinion for myself. I also like to read who can do what and where.

As long as we act like mature, reasonable adults, this thread will be fine.

MissLo

[leslie :-D]

I would much rather have my family in the care of a capable LPN than any green new grad.

couldn't agree with you more.

and i would too.

leslie

[nighteyes719]

Iam an LPN and I work in our local ER here in a small town. We also have RN'S in our ER.

:redbeathe

[MarathonerPN]

I'm a LPN student and I hear about RN's being mean to LPN's and I'm not looking forward these situations...........

I just hope to be a good nurse as a LPN or RN.

[MarathonerPN]

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

I'm a LPN student and I hear about RN's being mean to LPN's and I'm not looking forward these situations........... :argue:

I just hope to be a good nurse as a LPN or RN.

[AntFlip7395]

I'm a LPN student and I hear about RN's being mean to LPN's and I'm not looking forward these situations........... :argue:

I just hope to be a good nurse as a LPN or RN.

Meanness, as you put it, can certainly go both ways. If you mean that some RNs view themselves as superior and act as such towards LPNs, yes there are some. However, when I was an LPN, I rarely had this issue. Respect is a two way street.

[angel337, MSN, RN]

this isn't about "i know lpn's who can do just as much as RN's" it is about legal scope of practice. i would love to hear from LPN's that can prove in their state that they can do primary assessments, IVPB meds and such. in illinois it doesn't happen. i worked with a lpn that lost her job for going out of her scope. we all work too hard for our licenses (LPN's and RN's) to lose it.