Published Sep 17
Lvn0520
1 Post
Hello Everyone. I work for a surgery center, some of the days we have GI procedures scheduled. I was recently informed that company is moving to have LVNs recover the GI patients. This would be just for upper endoscopy and colonoscopy procedures. My company is claiming this is within my scope of practice. They assure me that there will always be an RN on the floor. But that RN is the only one there at work to oversee pre-op and post-op areas. And be able to provided assistance in the room when needed. Since they would have to sign off on all the work. Somehow I'm not sure this is right or safe. They will be having the medical assistants work in the pre-op area and be in the room working as the nurse during the procedures. I've always been told that it's your responsibility to know your scope of your license. And not let an employer tell you otherwise. I've expressed concerns about this and was quickly shut down. I know when it comes time to be able to asses the patient when they arrive to PACU, to determine if they are ready for discharge, and any teaching after the procedure, this should be done by the RN. This is how any other center that has LVNs and RNs that I have work at previously has functioned. I've previous worked at different centers with different specialties. I work and I'm license in California. I know this new situation is a money issue with the center/company. And it's been made clear that if I choose to not take this new position, my hours will be cut. I guess I'm hoping to get clarification that my concerns are valid. I don't want to be put in a position, where my license is at risk. Thanks