RPNs/LPNs in ED (Emergency Department)

Updated:   Published

Hey AllNurses.com! This article is going out to the RPNs and LPNs across Canada who work in the ED, and also to RNs who work in the ED.

I am an RPN who in Ontario who is working on a Medical Unit and I have been very interested in working in the Emergency Department. Ever since I was in nursing school, one my my goals was to work in the ED. So to my RPNs/LPNs, what are your roles in the ED? What can you do and can't do? What type of patients do you see? And for the RNs, if you work with RPNs/LPNs in the ED, what are the RPNs/LPNs roles and responsibilities in your Emergency Department?

Thanks for your time everyone!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

anyone?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Different hospitals and health authorities utilize their staff to meet their needs. I would suggest you have really good assessment and IV start skills. A love of ortho also helps in my hospital.

head down to your emerg and talk to one othe LPNs ther.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It is really hard to answer this question. I'm a lpn er nurse but I also work in a rural hospital. I work pretty close to full scope according to salpn.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MS, Emergency.

I worked in downtown Vancouver hospital and we don't have LPNs in our ER. I'm not sure with other health care authorities. we used to have LPNs in our fast track area. Because our Hosp do not allow LPNs to do IV start they were a bit limited in their practice so management decided to replace them with RNs now.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I worked in downtown Vancouver hospital and we don't have LPNs in our ER. I'm not sure with other health care authorities. we used to have LPNs in our fast track area. Because our Hosp do not allow LPNs to do IV start they were a bit limited in their practice so management decided to replace them with RNs now.

And that hat is why I hated working in BC!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

We have lpns in Freaser Health ER. They are allowed to give Potassium containing IV fluids and now lpns can do Iv starts at Fraser Health. But they can't give IV meds or handle Piccs or CVCS

Up Vote Up Vote ×

An LPN working an acute floor in AB is responsible for their own IV starts, meds, and PICCs. The only thing we don't hang I s chemo meds, and the RNs I work alongside can't either (requires a certification course and we don't have chemo patients, so no need for it) and we can't spike blood or travisol, hang it while the RN loosens the roller and then the responsibility is all ours.

We IV push meds as well

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion