Picc Lines

[Anicita]

Does anyone knows if we as LPN'S can start /mantainn/discontinue a PICC line?

Thanks 

[swee2000]

I just got my basic and advanced infusion therapy certifications here in IL. I was also just reading the nurse practice act but don't see anywhere were an LPN can either initate an IV or monitor one. I know LPNs here are not allowed to do IV pushes or hang blood. I am curious if say a facility you work for wants you to start an IV and the nurse practice acts says do not, what would be an appropriate action for the LPN to take... I'm a newbie... still searching for my first nursing job, just relocated to the windy city:)

When you said "I was just reading the nurse practice act but don't see anywhere where an LPN can either initiate an IV or monitor one", were you referring to PICCs or any kind of IV?

Now to the question at the end of your post: if an employer asked a LPN to perform a skill (that the nurse knows is) outside their scope of practice, I'd think the appropriate response would be for the LPN to refuse, while providing a detailed explanation supported by written proof. The last thing you want happening is to jeopardize your license for the sake of a facility. As I see it, the job is replaceable, an employee is replaceable(in the eyes of the employer).....but one's nursing license is not.

(Hopefully that made sense)

[lauraflowers]

Hi- Where I am, we can flush, draw from, maintain and hang, and change the dressing.

How lucky...upon reading the practice act seems like LPNs here are allowed to initiate, draw from, maintain and hang--not sure of the dressing change though. Thanks for your input.

[lauraflowers]

When you said "I was just reading the nurse practice act but don't see anywhere where an LPN can either initiate an IV or monitor one", were you referring to PICCs or any kind of IV?

Now to the question at the end of your post: if an employer asked a LPN to perform a skill (that the nurse knows is) outside their scope of practice, I'd think the appropriate response would be for the LPN to refuse, while providing a detailed explanation supported by written proof. The last thing you want happening is to jeopardize your license for the sake of a facility. As I see it, the job is replaceable, an employee is replaceable(in the eyes of the employer).....but one's nursing license is not.

(Hopefully that made sense)

I was just making a general statement based on my findings at the time. However, upon reading the practice act, I noted though that IL LPNs are allowed to initiate, draw from, maintain and hang IV. No mention of dressing changes. When I had the basic & advance certification class, the iv nurse instructor indicated that, it was the responsiblity of the RNs.

I agree with your comments concerning carring out any intervention(s) outside the state nurse practice act or scope of practice, it makes complete sense that any prudent nurse would want to protect their license. Thanks for your input.

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

anicita said:

hello there, does anyone knows if we as lpn's can start /mantainn/discontinue a picc line???

That's a big-a fat-a no. your state may permit you to do the dressing change on the line, perhaps hang a maintenance IV solution and maybe do a saline flush, but you would have to check your state nursing law on that. you definitely cannot start a picc. I would check your state nurse practice act for you, but you didn't list your state of residence/licensure.

You could find some information on picc lines on this thread:  

[softstorms]

We can maintain, we can monitor. We can also give fluids thru and flush if we have been certified to do so. But all under an R.N.'s supervision in this state. Always check out your own states guidelines.