Role of an lpn in the RR

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Aug 26, 2015

I would ask for job description of the position. There are LPN's in a non-trauma like ER. Akin to an urgent care or express care situation. However, you may find that the position is most like an ER Technician position as opposed to a nursing position. Meaning that there are some strict limits on what you can and can not do. So more than likely you will be a technician who happens to be an LPN.

And usually, the pay is significantly less.

You could do some clinical skills, mostly draw labs, do EKG's, some basic wound care. You could update patient's medications with their pharmacy, vitals, that kind of thing.

What a great deal will not let you do are meds or IV's. Patient education. Any part of the assessment beyond vitals. Not to say that some units do not allow LPN's to do these things, but most will not.

On down time, you may be stocking, bringing people to the bathroom, some ADL care, and sitting with those who are needing psych 1:1's.

Remember, even though you are doing the duties of a tech, you are still held to the standards of your license. So, in other words, I would get malpractice insurance. It could get a tad sticky, depending on what they want you to be doing.

But in order to know exactly what it entails is to get job description and see.

Best wishes!

Nursing_journey, LPN · Sep 1, 2015

Thank you, thank you so much. I will be sure to ask about the specifics if I get a call back. Thank you again.

sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN · Sep 1, 2015

LVN, in a rural SETex. Hospital ER, I worked, essentially did most every thing, with the usual exceptions of hanging blood, and we consigned their assessments.....they started their own IVs.....etc.... They were very valued, talented coworkers......I have seen similar in a metro moderate size hospital ICU......but that was about ten years ago......so very much a "regional thing"