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

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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.

I always wonder about these posts to get LPNs all upset against the RNs. And the comments that follow. The answer is we can't. Does it take a 2 yr degree- no it does not. Answer is still-we can't. If you removed all the differences between us then we would be RNs. We are not. The list could go on and on. Why can't LPNs sign a death cert. in the state of MA in a NH setting ( I think I know what dead is-answer: We can't). Let's end the post now. Your an RN and you can now do all these things. Thanks for the vote of confidence, but the the answer is still. We can't

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The scope of practice can vary greatly from state to state & they are commonly very broad, and open for much interpretation by your facility. It is covered in our studies as an LPN b/c it is within our scope of practice for some states/facilities. I am an LPN on a cardiac unit in GA and we can give the 1st unit of blood (RN has to be the 2nd person who checks it with you) and IVPB's. Being that I've worked in a state & area where there is almost no difference in our jobs (except pay), I completely understand your question.

I am currently in school for RN and in many of our clinical rotation sites, it was the same scene. I have seen a few places that treated their LPN's like glorified Tech's too though, and they were very restricted in what they were allowed to do. The rude, big heads on here probably work in such a place, or atleast wish they did.

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Specializes in ccu, med surg, ltc, home health.

I think a lot of it is that LPN's are taught the how and RN's the why. Critical thinking really comes with time and some people have a better critical thinking skill set then others, RN or LPN.

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I would hope so. I'm finishing up RN school now, but this was something we learned back in A&P, and they go over it again in Medsurge for LPN & for RN.

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As a LPN wanting to further my career to Nurse Practioner I understand that there many differences between LPNs and RNs. But at the same time we were taught in school how to do some things a RN does. The one thing I don't get is aren't we supposed to be working together? Then why do a lot of RNs look at us as LPNs like we don't exisit or we're less of a nurse? Shouldn't it be about the patient and not about who has what degree and who is above who? I ignore the attitude from nurses like this because it's not about them or me, it's about my patients health and well being. I've dealt with the "nurses eat their young" attitude and it's just not right. I follow my scope of practice even though I know how to do more. The time will come when I can. I know how to hang an IV but my scope tells me I can't unless I'm certified and that's just one example. It's just knowledge that will help me to succeed in my future and if unfortunately necessary in an emergency.

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"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?"

There's a term my mom used for this type of communication: "horsey".

Not necessary to be antagonistic. She just asked a question.

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I know it's out of my scope and that's perfectly fine, rules are rules. I just don't appreciate the attitude I get because I'm "just" a LPN. Yes I'm a LPN, but I'm a nurse and I worked just as hard in school as everyone else did and I think I deserve the respect like any other nurse does. And there is definately a need for RNs, no need to try and twist words. I have had RNs teach me things that they knew I couldn't do because of my scope of practice but knowing that it will help me in the future to further my career. Those types of nurses are few and far between. They respect the fact that I work under them and don't treat me like I'm just an other body on the floor that is more of a pain then help to them. Unfortunately it's the attitudes from BOTH RNs & LPNs that is the issue. If we could all just work together and do what we're supposed to do and not argue with each other not only do we as nurses benefit from it but most important the patient does. Isn't that why we all became nurses in the first place? To help people and take care of them??

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See, and here come the nasty remarks that get EVERYONE going. Yes she just asked a question and she's done w/ her schooling and an RN. So, what is her point did she see any difference between the two educations she got. And FYI on the critical thinking it can be learned over a period of time you don't have to get an RN to have it. If I moved to a state that allowed my scope of pratice to be different what should I say if they tell me in the new state " You can push drugs" should my answer be sorry haven't had that type of critical thinking. But again this is what this post was so to do, get everyone excited.

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Specializes in LTC and School Health.
Have LPN's learnt the role of each blood cell, what they look like, how they interact and blood disorders?

I can't speak for other colleges but yes, I learned this in LPN school right beside RN students. Our classes were mixed with LPN and RN students for the first year.

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Are you for real about the red blood cell thing? FYI alot of LPNs schools are now in colleges where you take the same A+P 1 and 2 w/ the RNs

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Specializes in LTC and School Health.
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.

I'm a RN, previous LPN. When ever I gave lasix as a LPN PO I was always cautious to check labs, hydration, I's and o's, this is what I was taught to do in nursing school as a LPN.

FYI- We do need doctors. I don't bash docs. I've learned a ton from the intensavist I work with. We are a team. Sorry.

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Specializes in Emergency Room, Specialty Infusions.

I am a LVN from the 70-80's and now a BSN. And I agree with one of the other posters...."Critical Thinking".

Here is a perfect example, real true life:

RN on postpartum floor, "How is the patient's flow in room 207?" LPN, "It's good, I just checked." Two hours later..... RN, "How is the new patient in 207 doing, did you check her flow?" "Yes, it's still okay." RN does end of shift rounds. Pt. in room 207 is basically bleeding out, but her IV "flow" rate is just fine.

Don't get me wrong. There are a lot of LPN'S/LVN/RPN I would rather be working with and watching my back than some RN's. But working in the Emergency room, I have noticed the difference.

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