Question for the LVN/LPN's

[KeyTronics]

Hi all

I'm new to the site and currently a nursing student working towards my BSN and they threw me this question as a homework assignment:

"How should a LVN respond when asked to perform a task outside of their scope of practice?"

Are you legally/morally obligated to object to the order, would you be risking your license if followed through with the task, would you simply say "its not my job?" I've looked high and low for a "text-book answer" because I need some sort of reference, but I figured why not ask directly from the source. I'd appreciate any help whatsoever.

Thanks

Sam

[Brownms46]

Can LPN administer blood or do IV puncture? I was told by school instructors that LPN do not adminster blood, IV push, piggybag (spelling), or start IV.

In dialysis job description, LPN duties include blood aministration and IV puncture. I really also need to clarify about this. I do not have any IV certification though.

I think this is also r/t the question you just asked. If anyone can read this far, I hope I can get the specific answer for my question and general response from your question.

What an LP/VN can do is determine by each state's nursing practice act. Until the Texas board of Vocational Nursing and the Registered Nursing board were combimed, LVNs in Texas could do just about whatever they have the continuing education and skill/experience to do. Since then the board has attempted to come out with more definition, but have failed pretty badly in their attempt to clearly define the LVN practice.

In Texas I have given blood, Albumin, FFP, and IVP medications. In Washington and Oregon state I have given IVP meds, and blood, but there are many other states that are more restrictive of LPN practice. In some cases this is a good thing, and in some they are not.

Whatever any nurse does, she/he must be ready to accept the consequences of their actions, no matter how the board allows them to practice. :)