Can LPN's act in supervisory role over the RN?

Nursing Students ADN/BSN

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I work in a residential chemical dependency facility as RN staff. Recently, two LPN's were promoted to supervisory positions, even though there are several RN's on staff available for this promotion. Are LPN's legally allowed to work in supervisory roles presiding over RN's? I am questioning whether LPN's may even act as a supervisor.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

If they are supervising the home and employees and are supervising the adherence to policies? the answer is yes but they do not supervise your practice as a nurse nor can they "sign off" on RN work as far as responsibilities according to nurse practice acts. It is very state to state specific....the following is for Colorado

According to CRS 12-38-103 (9), Practice of Practical Nursing, a practical nurse can not supervise an RN in regard to the practice of professional nursing and independent nursing functions. Nor can they supervise delegated medical functions. LPNs may supervise RNs when the focus of the supervision is on non-nursing job factors such as attendance, leave utilization, compliance with policies and procedures unrelated to nursing care. LPNs may supervise other LPNs in the practice of practical nursing other personnel such as CNAs (see the Nurse Aide Practice Act, 12-38.1-102 (5), Practice of a Nurse Aide).

www.dora.state.co.us/nursing/statutes/NursePracticeAct.pdf

www.dora.state.co.us/nursing/statutes/NurseAidePracticeAct.pdf

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Specializes in ED.

In your state does the BON have an anonymous line you can call and get practice advice? I've had to call mine a few times and one was for the same question. If you can, call and explain exactly what your role is and what the role of the supervising LPN is to see if it is within their scope. If they are practicing out of their scope that's on them and your facility, but I would hate for it to come back to bite you if something happens and you have to say you followed the direction of your supervisor and that person is an LPN. I've also seen an LPN telling everyone she is an RN when she hadn't taken her NCLEX yet and therefore wasn't licensed as such yet. She was the one I went to to ask questions when I wasn't sure about something. I didn't know she wasn't an RN until after I left that h*llhole. Scary...

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Not in NC, the BON advises that places who promote the LPN does not use titles like manager or supervisor.

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.
I work in a residential chemical dependency facility as RN staff. Recently, two LPN's were promoted to supervisory positions, even though there are several RN's on staff available for this promotion. Are LPN's legally allowed to work in supervisory roles presiding over RN's? I am questioning whether LPN's may even act as a supervisor.

The most common response to that is that an LPN can be in a supervisory position if it's primarily an administrative position, not supervise the clinical practices of an RN. There may be informal orientations with the LPN who knows the policies and procedures of a facility working with an RN who doesn't. Normally, people don't seem to fuss too much about the titles in that scenario. They just want to learn from someone who knows.

What was the reason for the decision (if you know) -- was it experience or something else?

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Specializes in Trauma, ER, ICU, CCU, PACU, GI, Cardiology, OR.
If they are supervising the home and employees and are supervising the adherence to policies? the answer is yes but they do not supervise your practice as a nurse nor can they "sign off" on RN work as far as responsibilities according to nurse practice acts. It is very state to state specific....the following is for Colorado

According to CRS 12-38-103 (9), Practice of Practical Nursing, a practical nurse can not supervise an RN in regard to the practice of professional nursing and independent nursing functions. Nor can they supervise delegated medical functions. LPNs may supervise RNs when the focus of the supervision is on non-nursing job factors such as attendance, leave utilization, compliance with policies and procedures unrelated to nursing care. LPNs may supervise other LPNs in the practice of practical nursing other personnel such as CNAs (see the Nurse Aide Practice Act, 12-38.1-102 (5), Practice of a Nurse Aide).

www.dora.state.co.us/nursing/statutes/NursePracticeAct.pdf

www.dora.state.co.us/nursing/statutes/NurseAidePracticeAct.pdf

I couldn't have said it any better, therefore, I totally agree with you.

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Ever thought maybe the LPN's were more qualified for postition? Just because someone has RN behind their name does not mean they are the best for the job. Jeez

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Specializes in Wound Care, LTC, Sub-Acute, Vents.

administratively yes. clinically no.

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