Question regarding LPN Scope of Practice

pagandeva2000, LPN · Sep 22, 2008

I would call the BON of your area and ask them. Don't know about yours, but the BON in my state answers me via email each and every time I contact them, usually within 24 hours. I am learning lately that some people do weird things to fly under the radar by hiring LPNs to do RN work.

Tolle_lege · Sep 22, 2008

I don't know about florida, but in California LVNs can "collect date" which really involves doing an assessment, but can't form the "care plan" because that is considered synthesis of the data and involves true assessment. It's a fine line, but definitely contact the BON.

soon2btesttaker · Sep 23, 2008

Good Catch..........sounds Like A Job Description Of A Rn, But Really I Think Perhaps It Was A Typo........(agh....i Hope!)

bluegeegoo2, LPN · Sep 23, 2008

I don't know about florida, but in California LVNs can "collect date" which really involves doing an assessment, but can't form the "care plan" because that is considered synthesis of the data and involves true assessment. It's a fine line, but definitely contact the BON.

I have to "fill out" a half-dozen care plans with each new admit I get. I have to get their VS, weight, ht, check them over from head to toe for skin assessment, check ROM, come up with 2 "problems" and formulate 2 nursing diagnoses with interventions. I was fairly certain that in school I learned the same thing: I can't do initial assessments nor can I write nursing diagnoses or do care planning but if I don't, I get "love notes" to complete my admit. An RN looks over my paperwork, but doesn't sign a thing. The only reason the RN looks over the paperwork is d/t the fact that she is compliance, but a LPN can be the compliance nurse as well. I also do PICC line pushes, which I also thought was not allowed, but then again my LTCF doesn't seem to worry much about "rules" and "scope of practice". Tis why I have apps in elsewhere, though I fear it's like this everywhere here. Guess I'll find out.

Butterflybee · Sep 23, 2008

Good catch!!! I came from a job interview that asked ME if i was comfortable doing patient assessments. :no:

*** is seeking a LPN with a current Florida license for in home consultations. Strong assessment skills required to establish the plan for personal care.
The LPN is responsible for assessing and reassessing the nursing needs, including the physical, psychosocial, and environmental needs of client. The LPN develops an appropriate and individual care plan, collaborating with the client's primary physician as needed, and is responsible for teaching/counseling clients regarding self-care and evaluating client response to care provided. Acting as the clinical care coordinator for assigned individuals, the LPN initiates referrals as necessary, supervises and directs home care.
This is a job description for a job I saw online & thought I'd apply for until I read this. We were taught in school that only RNs can do assessments -- not LPNs. Are LPNs allowed to do all they are describing as the job? I realize "in the real world vs the NCLEX world" that we'll probably do things like this, if we want to take the chance, but I don't think I'd want to start off putting my license in jeopardy if this is out of my scope.

josinda421 · Sep 23, 2008

*** is seeking a LPN with a current Florida license for in home consultations. Strong assessment skills required to establish the plan for personal care.
The LPN is responsible for assessing and reassessing the nursing needs, including the physical, psychosocial, and environmental needs of client. The LPN develops an appropriate and individual care plan, collaborating with the client's primary physician as needed, and is responsible for teaching/counseling clients regarding self-care and evaluating client response to care provided. Acting as the clinical care coordinator for assigned individuals, the LPN initiates referrals as necessary, supervises and directs home care.
This is a job description for a job I saw online & thought I'd apply for until I read this. We were taught in school that only RNs can do assessments -- not LPNs. Are LPNs allowed to do all they are describing as the job? I realize "in the real world vs the NCLEX world" that we'll probably do things like this, if we want to take the chance, but I don't think I'd want to start off putting my license in jeopardy if this is out of my scope.

sweetie lpn's are not responsible for initial assessment only, but there after they ARE responsible.

josinda421 · Sep 23, 2008

Good catch!!! I came from a job interview that asked ME if i was comfortable doing patient assessments.

sweetie you SHOULD feel comfortable doing an assessment. they should have thought you that in nursing school. but INITIAL assessment your not required to do.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Sep 24, 2008

Good catch!!! I came from a job interview that asked ME if i was comfortable doing patient assessments.

Patient assessment is a major part of any bedside nurse's job, regardless of whether you're an RN or LPN.

pattylpn54, LPN · Sep 24, 2008

i am able to and comfortable doing an assessment. my concern was---we were taught in school that only an rn could do the assessment. after the rn has, i have no problem doing my job, but the way the ad is worded it sounded to me like no rn would be involved, the lpn would be doing everything and i was trying to clarify whether we were allowed to or not. the ad states the lpn is responsible for assessing & reassessing.

Practicalone, LPN · Sep 24, 2008

It sounds right. Here we can do assessments, it is the initial assessment and the care plans that we don't do as LPNs. If an RN has visited with the patient first and also keeps in touch with the pt, and the LPN keeps record of information than there you go. Kind of like working in a hospital, there is an RN somewhere in the mix of staff and then there are the LPNs.

gettingupthere · Sep 24, 2008

As a nurse, RN or LPN, you are doing assessments on your patients throughout the day! If an LPN sees something that requires further assessment, she calls the RN. Assessments are part of the job!