Roll of LPN vs the RN

Published

Specializes in LTC.

Hello everyone, I will be starting a new job in home health on Jan. 13th. I have worked in medical offices and my last position was a skilled nurse in nursing home for rehab patients to go home. I only took care of skilled patients. I am ready for a change and looking forward to trying my hand at home health.

I was just wondering about my role as an LPN vs RN. I have read hundreds of post on home health. I see lots on Oasis? and how time consuming it is. Is that something I will do as an LPN? We use electronic charting. If given the choice would you use ipad or laptop?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in internal medicine, telemetry, medsurg.

I have worked both as an lpn and now an rn in home health. The roles are different. The oasis packet is for the rns to fill out on admits, recerts, post hospital. You will not have to do this as an lpn. You will follow the orders on the 485s for each patient and conduct weekly visits per ordered frequency. You will do vitals on every patient and some skills can include wound care, lab draws, Foley insert/care, and such. You will make sure pts are compliant with meds and tx. You can reiterate pt teaching. You will document you findings on nurses notes via paper or tablet. It is usually one page front back on paper not sure on electronic. Hope this helps as for as the lpn role. Oh and the rn will come out to do the recert at the end of each episode which Is 60 days. The rns roles are different and much more documentation. Best of luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

Thank you so much that helps a lot. I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pedi.

CMS regulations do not permit LPNs to complete OASIS assessments.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion