LPN scope vs RN scope in PA

U.S.A. Pennsylvania

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In PA, what can an RN do that a LPN cannot do? I'm a LPN student, starting Tuesday, already planning on bridging into a RN program after I finish, so I'm just curious as to how much I'd already know and could do before taking the next step.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

One of the best places to look is at your state nursing board. There are usually links to laws regarding nursing practice. On this webpage, there are links to RN law and PN law. To best protect yourself and provide care within your scope of practice, it is wise to know this information. Your school may also require you to purchase or obtain copies of your state's nurse practice acts.

State Board of Nursing

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Not sure if you're still looking for the answer, but LPNs cannot give medication via IV push, give blood products, do initial assessments or teaching. I think that is the main difference between the two.

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

See: PA BON Interpretations

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