Recently my state allowed LPNs to flush PICC lines for the first time if your IV certified. I've read over the scope of practice for my state and what I'm reading is that it is strictly limited to flushes but my facility is insisting we can administer ATB since they come pre-set in a small medicine ball. All we do is attach (its already primed) to the PICC line and release the med and remove 60 minutes later. I'm really uncomfortable with this since I see no exceptions in our scope and we are a small building so sometimes there are no RNs available on the weekends. Any thoughts or experiences with this?
Editorial Team / Admin Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN 6 Articles; 11,337 Posts Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development. Has 18 years experience. Sep 30, 2016 Have you contacted your state's BON for clarification? They would be the best option to advise you.
loriangel14, RN 6,931 Posts Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative. Oct 1, 2016 If you have been trained it should be fine but clarify before you do it. Where I work we can flush, access , heparin so flush and change dressings on a PICC line
NurseGirl525, ASN, RN 3,663 Posts Specializes in ICU. Oct 1, 2016 I would clarify. Here, an LPN, cannot touch a central line. It's going to vary from state to state, so your best bet is to call.
TheCommuter, BSN, RN 226 Articles; 27,608 Posts Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych. Has 17 years experience. Oct 1, 2016 It's going to vary from state to state, so your best bet is to call.I totally agree. I practiced as an LVN in Texas, a state with a very wide open scope of practice. I managed central lines and administered IV antibiotics through PICCs as an LVN all the time.Therefore, the board of nursing in the state where you work should provide you with the definitive answer to your question.
Archerlpvn, LPN, LVN 228 Posts Specializes in Home health, Addictions, Detox, Psych and clinics.. Has 11 years experience. Oct 1, 2016 Which state are you practicing in?
