New LPN with BIG concern over TN scope of practice re: IV Push

[LPNalmost!]

I posted this in the TN Nurse's Forum, but since that one doesn't get a lot of traffic, I thought it would be a good idea to post it here as well. Here goes: I've been working as an LPN for less than 3 weeks now. I started training on the med cart this weekend and part of my training was pushing meds such as phenegran and nubain. All the LPN's in my hospital do it, so I accepted it as a normal part of my training. But today I was looking at the TN BON website and stumbled onto the board's amended policy regarding LPN's and IV therapy. Basically, it states that the LPN must have a minimum of 3 years experience or 2 years experience with completion of a formal IV training program at their facility in order to administer IV push medications. I have neither as I have been a LPN only since the 13th of this month and IV therapy is not included in the curriculum in TN LPN schools! I guess one of my questions would be: are any of you LPN's pushing IV meds without meeting the above conditions? Also, I did sign off on meds I pushed while training this weekend...is my tail end going to end up in the frying pan for this? And if this is standard policy at my facility, even though it is outside my scope of practice, what should I do? Am I interpreting "IV push" correctly when I assume it refers to any medication installed into the vein via the IV port? I'm really confused and concerned on how to address this with my new employer. All suggestions are appreciated.

[tinkaboo12]

I posted this in the TN Nurse's Forum, but since that one doesn't get a lot of traffic, I thought it would be a good idea to post it here as well. Here goes: I've been working as an LPN for less than 3 weeks now. I started training on the med cart this weekend and part of my training was pushing meds such as phenegran and nubain. All the LPN's in my hospital do it, so I accepted it as a normal part of my training. But today I was looking at the TN BON website and stumbled onto the board's amended policy regarding LPN's and IV therapy. Basically, it states that the LPN must have a minimum of 3 years experience or 2 years experience with completion of a formal IV training program at their facility in order to administer IV push medications. I have neither as I have been a LPN only since the 13th of this month and IV therapy is not included in the curriculum in TN LPN schools! I guess one of my questions would be: are any of you LPN's pushing IV meds without meeting the above conditions? Also, I did sign off on meds I pushed while training this weekend...is my tail end going to end up in the frying pan for this? And if this is standard policy at my facility, even though it is outside my scope of practice, what should I do? Am I interpreting "IV push" correctly when I assume it refers to any medication installed into the vein via the IV port? I'm really confused and concerned on how to address this with my new employer. All suggestions are appreciated.

I am a LPN in Indiana and not only do I give IV push meds, but hang blood, cardic drips you name it we do it. The LPN's at my hospital are trained to do all of these things. I thing the main problem here is that you are not trained to do this. There is a lot you must know before you begin pushing meds into a port, SL, port-a- cath, Picc or Groshong. Are you aware of how fast of slow some meds must be pushed? if not then don't do it.

[tinkaboo12]

I posted this in the TN Nurse's Forum, but since that one doesn't get a lot of traffic, I thought it would be a good idea to post it here as well. Here goes: I've been working as an LPN for less than 3 weeks now. I started training on the med cart this weekend and part of my training was pushing meds such as phenegran and nubain. All the LPN's in my hospital do it, so I accepted it as a normal part of my training. But today I was looking at the TN BON website and stumbled onto the board's amended policy regarding LPN's and IV therapy. Basically, it states that the LPN must have a minimum of 3 years experience or 2 years experience with completion of a formal IV training program at their facility in order to administer IV push medications. I have neither as I have been a LPN only since the 13th of this month and IV therapy is not included in the curriculum in TN LPN schools! I guess one of my questions would be: are any of you LPN's pushing IV meds without meeting the above conditions? Also, I did sign off on meds I pushed while training this weekend...is my tail end going to end up in the frying pan for this? And if this is standard policy at my facility, even though it is outside my scope of practice, what should I do? Am I interpreting "IV push" correctly when I assume it refers to any medication installed into the vein via the IV port? I'm really confused and concerned on how to address this with my new employer. All suggestions are appreciated.

I am a LPN in Indiana and not only do I give IV push meds, but hang blood, cardic drips you name it we do it. The LPN's at my hospital are trained to do all of these things. I thing the main problem here is that you are not trained to do this. There is a lot you must know before you begin pushing meds into a port, SL, port-a- cath, Picc or Groshong. Are you aware of how fast of slow some meds must be pushed? if not then don't do it.