Lvn vs rn??

[MrsGN]

:) Hi!!!!!!!!

I tend to get the assignments for LVN and RN confused. Please give me a run down, textbook wise not real world. I'm planning to take my nclex rn in Ca soon. SCARED!!

I know LVNs are not allowed to do assessment, eval, unstable patients, discharge, etc. They are not allowed to do narcs, insulin, heparin??

This tends to confuse me since every state is different and I read taht certain states allows CNAs to pass meds. CRAZY!

thank you much :heartbeat

[APBT mom, LPN, RN]

Your best bet would be to look up the Practice Act for LVN's and RN's in your state.

In Florida LPN's are allowed to do assessments (not the first one), give narcs (no IV push though), give heparin (not continuous but can adjust dosage), insulin (no pumps), discharge, and some cases you can have unstable patients (not suppose to but that's another story)...

If/when you see questions that ask about delegating pick out what you KNOW the RN can be the only one to do, then start from there.

[amjowens]

Yes, I agree with that-to look at your state law. I'm just graduating from a LPN program, and starting a RN program right away. In addition, I'm getting my license in Mich (I'm near the border), but went to school and learned to the law of OH. For ex., I am IV certified and able to start and administer meds in OH, but not able to start IVs in Michigan. There are many fine details, right down to certain meds that are special cases, so I'm going to print out LPN laws for Mich for my job, and try to keep what I'm doing in RN clinicals out of my mind except while in clinicals!

As for the NCLEX, I think I know your point regarding delegation. My school uses ATI, which is a NCLEX prep. On my exit exam, there were a lot of questions about delegation. It's the old critical thinking game. Generally, the RN does the INITIAL assessment, the nursing diagnosis of the nursing process, and general will "take" the patient who is unstable. Think basic skills for the nurse aide, then any med administration, dressing change (more complicated than very basic care) goes to the LPN, and the RN gets anything that might require a change in plan or require intervention. Hope that helps.

[haras regnurps]

Your best bet would be to look up the Practice Act for LVN's and RN's in your state.

In Florida LPN's are allowed to do assessments (not the first one), give narcs (no IV push though), give heparin (not continuous but can adjust dosage), insulin (no pumps), discharge, and some cases you can have unstable patients (not suppose to but that's another story)...

If/when you see questions that ask about delegating pick out what you KNOW the RN can be the only one to do, then start from there.

DO ABSOLUTELY REFER TO YOUR OWN/PRACTICING STATES NURSE PRACTICE ACT

they can be different enough state to state to be totally confusing.

Usally blood products and HYPERAL. are not to be administered by and LPN but some states allow them to help with monitoring during admin. Have practiced in more than one state and the laws are tweeked.

Someday we will have a national registry instead of state to state........hhhhmmmmmmmm EMT's already do.