Really don't understand the mystery of LPNs not able being able to do certain things

NotFlo · Jul 1, 2012

Have LPN's learnt the role of each blood cell, what they look like, how they interact and blood disorders?

I certainly have. I learned the former in A@P one and two and the latter in medical surgical nursing.

lovedijah · Jul 1, 2012

This is interesting. But like someone else said, I guess you have to draw the line somewhere. It's just interesting to see where the BON draws it in each state. I think there are certainly some "rn only tasks" that an lpn can complete- but I guess legally there has to be a line. Who the freak knows what some hospitals would have lpn's doing if there was no line drawn. Possibly things way out of their scope.

realnursealso/LPN, LPN · Jul 1, 2012

Because it's out of your scope of practice? Because the states say NO? Because LPNs haven't been trained to the same extent in critical thinking? So there's no point in having RNs, by your logic. LPNs can do everything RNs can, right?

https://allnurses.com/lpn-lvn-corner/lpns-myths-misconceptions-750179.html

registerednurse143 · Jul 2, 2012

As a LPN to RN, I don't understand why LPNs are not allowed to push a med or hang first unit of blood. Why is it such a mystery ? As a new grad RN, I'm thinking why could I have not done this as a LPN. Does it really take a 2-4 year degree to know how to push a med. As long as you use the six rights and know basic nursing, a LPN should be able to push a med or hang blood.

If u are a registered nurse who have a good sense of anatomy and physiology as part of your assessment, you will think right away why is not given to LVN. It's is more than what it takes on just giving meds. Ex. Simple meds as Lasix IV when you need to check BP, hydration, k level, bun CRT, side effect etc. as an RN covering LVN it would be hard for us to delegate this because of the complexity involved. Remember that we are mandated by the state, so if anything happen you will be the sole responsible to the state where you got your license.

It is not a mystery, you are right, it is a simple as pushing medication and hanging blood it's a skill, but as an RN we are educated to assess, plan, intervene and evaluate all situation. If that's a mystery why do we need doctors who studied 8 - 12 yrs to give you orders when most of the time you probably know what would they order.

vintage_RN, BSN, RN · Jul 2, 2012

I'm not sure, we can do all of that in Ontario.

pink_shoes99 · Jul 2, 2012

It's funny that everyone keeps using the "because you didn't learn that in school" reason because most of the things mentioned we did learn. We learned about blood, we learned how to hang blood, how to watch for reactions and what to do should there be a reaction. The question is why in the world did we waste time learning something we can't do? We also had an entire class dedicated to "assessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention, and evaluation" as well as wrote out countless care plans. That doesn't mean I am as qualified as an RN, but i do know a little bit about nursing. With some peoples responses I am curious as to what they think we do in LPN school.

allnurses Guide · Jul 2, 2012

We have "enrolled nurses" in the UK which I think are similar and there was a time when they were only able to do certain things and not others, now the only thing they are unable to do is apply for certain jobs due to the criteria for selection.

I have areas where are Enrolled nurses are a higher grade so are in charge of the area and the registered nurses within that area.

We are required to work within our scope of practice so if the experience of that EN allows them to take charge they are able to do so.

DoGoodThenGo · Jul 2, 2012

I'm not sure, we can do all of that in Ontario.

Yeabut up North Registered "Practical" Nurses are graduates of two year diploma or similar programs, and IIRC are nearly the equalivent of ADN nurses here in the States. Here down South LPN/LVN programs which usually run one year, though there have been newly created two year *Associate in Applied Science" for practical nurses as well.

DogWmn · Jul 2, 2012

The LPN scope of practice is as varied as how many states we have.

While this link might not be truely up to date, it certainly outlines the differences in scope of practice:

http://nursing.advanceweb.com/article/lpns-and-iv-administration.aspx

Some states have no statements on IV's and meds some are extremely constrictive.

I am a proponent of having a national licensing agency vs state BON's and this is one of the many reasons for such an agency.

Nursing is always growing both the LPN and RN scopes of practice have grown and expaned over the decades and will continue to do so.

mama_d, BSN, RN · Jul 2, 2012

I think the BON threw a bunch of different papers with nursing activities in a hat and randomly drew a few out. It's the only logical explanation.

I can titrate a cardiac drip, but can get my license disciplined if I IV push Pepcid. Likewise, I can monitor a patient receiving blood but the BON thinks I'm incapable of spiking the bag. Makes no freaking sense.

DoGoodThenGo · Jul 2, 2012

The LPN scope of practice is as varied as how many states we have.
While this link might not be truely up to date, it certainly outlines the differences in scope of practice:
LPNs and IV administration on ADVANCE for Nurses
Some states have no statements on IV's and meds some are extremely constrictive.
I am a proponent of having a national licensing agency vs state BON's and this is one of the many reasons for such an agency.
Nursing is always growing both the LPN and RN scopes of practice have grown and expaned over the decades and will continue to do so.

Do you really want to give the federal government yet more power over your life/the healthcare profession?

Think about it. Given how much money, power and influence big healthcare providers, systems, pharma and so forth already have in Washington DC you want to hand them more?

The mind reels at the possibilites. Nurses or those seeking to become one with *issues* such as a not so perfect past denied or will loose their license. If the ANA or similar body can make the case the BSN would become mandatory. A discipline system that could be more "anti-nurse' than some state BONS are considered. And the list goes on.

Besides as with *gay marriage* the federal government does not issue professional or other licenses. That falls to the states, and most if not all would fight tooth and nail before surrendering that right to Washington DC. Afterall once nursing went down that path why stop there? States issue a wide variety of licences, would you have the federal government take them all over?

VioletKaliLPN, LPN · Jul 2, 2012

I am an LPN. In my state I can IV push certain meds. It is not about what you DO, it is what you KNOW. Simply put, I do not know what an RN knows, but I am going back to school to complete an LPN to RN bridge program.