Question LPNs and IV push meds

Nurse`Chief~Chickie · Nov 10, 2006

i hope that's a hypothetical ??? lpns cannot administer iv push meds with or without the certification! :eek:

tgb3rn · Nov 10, 2006

i hope that's a hypothetical ??? lpns cannot administer iv push meds with or without the certification!

it all depends on the state. i am an lpn-c (iv cert) in nebraska. i can and do give ivp meds, start iv's, give almost all iv meds there are with some limitations. i can not do a central line ivp---only periferal. i can do central if there is a contiuous running fluid going in that line though.

bofore anyone goes nuts over this one let me say that in nebraska the lpn-c gets more education spacific to iv meds than the rn's do.

tom

oh ya, i should also point out that it depends on the facility you are working in, i work on the med surg floor at a hospital--i must have a rn on the floor at the time i give the meds. i also work in a home care setting and in a nh as a charge nurse, only nurse there from 10p to 7a, can't do iv anything in those situations.

GatorRN · Nov 10, 2006

No, I don't think it's legal for an LPN to push narcs through a central line, certified or not. The best way to find the answers to such questions is to follow the guidelines of your states nursing board. Click on the Links option at the top of the page, click on the Boards of Nursing option, and find your state. Review the scope of practice of an LPN in your state.

As a side note, I have to question whether an LPN receives more education specific to IV meds than an RN does. I had extensive training regarding all types of medication administration.

tgb3rn · Nov 10, 2006

As a side note, I have to question whether an LPN receives more education specific to IV meds than an RN does. I had extensive training regarding all types of medication administration.

This was not meant as an insult, just my observations as a IV certified LPN that has just finished my RN waiting to test. My IV certification is a seperate lic. and was a completely different class that was taken after recieving my LPN. Do not remember the exact amout of hrs but was all spacific to IV ONLY. My training as an RN had much less in this area. As always other peoples experience may vary greatly.

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Nov 10, 2006

I had a whole semster class specificly fo IV therapy then went to get my IV cert after graduation. I can give lot of meds but there are limits. As far as central lines I can give ABT's ,flush and run fluids. However, I personally would rather just let the RN handle all of that...

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Nov 10, 2006

LPN's + IV Med administration ability is controlled by each states nursing education programs and BON licensing standards. Please consult your state's practice act.

IV push narcotics yet alone through central line in not permissible in PA/NJ/DE practice acts. Texas has no specific reg and depending on hospital policy is permitted there.

If your state requires IV certification, the administring IV drugs without certification would be found practicing outside scope of practice.

Link: Boards of Nursing to check your practice act online.

ginger58, ASN, RN · Nov 11, 2006

In California where I work LVNs can not hang abx or push narcs via a central line. They can change a bag of fluid and take PICC measurements, change a PICC dressing but that's about it.

AfloydRN, BSN, RN · Nov 17, 2006

Where we live- In ER LPN's can and do give IVP meds. They hang IVPB's as well. We used to laugh that the only difference was how long we had to go to school to be able to do these procedures and a certificate nurse is already doing them.

nursebearfeet · Nov 17, 2006

i hope that's a hypothetical ??? lpns cannot administer iv push meds with or without the certification!

not true. it is legal and often done. in my hospital lpn's can do conscious sedation. yes, they should have iv certs, but hospital based classes will do.

NurseT533 · Nov 17, 2006

It varies from state to state on what LPN's can do as far as IV's. In KY LPNs CAN give IV push meds that are approved for LPN's to give..there is a list that that KY board of nursing has and there are certain guidelines under the circumstances that you can administer these selected drugs...ie an RN has to be present at the facility.

CHATSDALE · Nov 17, 2006

lpn [or rn for that matter] should have specific training there is a world of distance between starting an iv and giving push meds

y have to know what side effect to observe for etc these drugs once given have such an immediate reaction that you have to be alert and knowledgeable

if you are an rn and you do not feel comfortable with having an lpn give a push whether it be any lpn or a certain lpn then you certainly have the right to speak up for your pt and for your license