LPN scope of practice on NCLEX-can they start IV's?

pick that they are not certified? or are certified?

i think it depends in the state that you live in. In general though if the LPN or LVN is not IV certified they cannot do IVP or hang and any kind of fluids or change any kind of settings on IV pumps. Further more, according to the nclex rn lpns cant do assessment either. with that being said they cant even look at that iv in a pt and say its phelbitis for instance because they havnt been trained unless certified to do so. just like they can't start IVs either the only thing they CAN do is monitor the IV fluids. For example if a bag of LR is running low they are to run and tell the RN that they are running low and then the RN can hang a new bag of IV fluids. Unfortuntly no offense here ment to anyone but the nclex RN treats the LPN like they are little more then techs they cant assess, cant start IVs, in some states they can't even call the Dr. (illinois is like this for one) and the list of what they cant do just goes on and on. I've already taken my RN boards once and I can tell you one of the big reasons i didnt pass wasnt because im not smart but because i didnt turn my nose down at all that the LPn does. i work as an LPN now and have for a lil while now(take my RN boards again next week) i assess ppl on a daily basis i change dressing do IVs I've worked as the charge nurse before you name it ive done it. the ONLY thing that i dont do is IVP but after next week that wont be a problem any longer either. just remember that ONLY RNs can use the nursing process, they're the only ones that can do IVs unless it states in the answer the lpn is iv certified and Rns are the only ones that can delegate as well as hold "lower ranking" staff accountable for their job duties. youll do fine im sure

LPN scope of practice is determined on a state basis and some facility rules and regs. If the question asks can a LPN start a Blood transfusion, choose NO, most if not all states prohibit that.

to give ya a heads up i was review questions this morning and in one of the rationales it stated that admitting VS is a form of assessment so they can't be delegated to an LPN or a UAP. hope this helps

andrea