Scope of practice

In Pa we can work pretty much where ever and do almost everything. The one thing we cannot do is push iv meds and I don't think we can do pic lines, but otherwise we're able to do everything an RN can.

As an LVN in California you aren't prohibited from working in an acute care hospital. Or limited to only LTC, private duty, and MD office. The reason there aren't many LVN jobs in acute care hospitals is that they have phased out hiring them.

If you're thinking of moving, just got to the web site of that state's RN/and or LVN/LPN Boards, such as the http://www.bvnpt.ca.gov/ Hope this helps!

Ah, you want me to work--search the boards, etc. ...thought it would be enlightening to see what other LVN/LPNs are doing in other states. Clearly, there appears to be a difference.

The Texas LVN scope is fairly wide open. It basically makes it up to the employer to decide what LVNs are permitted to do in that facility. For instance in one hospital I work at LVNs do basically all their own IV pushes and hang blood products, draw from PICCs, etc. On my floor, generally the only thing we can't do is the initial assessment. The other hospital I work at doesn't allow LVNs to do any IV pushes (which we rarely get anyway) or draw from a PICC and we can't actually pierce the bag of blood but can witness and monitor.

I am licensed in three different states. My original licensure is from California, and I am also licensed in Texas (my state of residence) and Oklahoma (location of the school that I currently attend).

[...] An LVN in Texas can still land a hospital job in units such as acute rehab, long term acute care, med/surg, and psych.

3 states...have you been involved with travel nursing? Which state do you prefer to practice in?

Keep warm and healthy :redpinkhe

I'm in Central California and I work as an LVN in an ER. I'm able to do everything except push IV meds and deal with central/PICC lines. I start IV's, I give PO/IM/SQ meds and I'm able to do all other patient care. Our department is the only one in the hospital that employs LVN's.

here in Calif LVNs are relegated to LTC, home health, private duty, med offices.

There is nothing in the LVN scope of practice that relegates LVN's to LTC, HH, etc. That is the decision of the employers.

Virtually no acute care jobs are available to LVNs.

We have several LVNs working on our unit here in Northern California and I've got a buddy who works as an LVN at the Shriner's hospital in Sac. While I agree that there are relatively few acute-care jobs for LVNs, there are many more than "virtually none."

I'm in Central California and I work as an LVN in an ER. I'm able to do everything except push IV meds and deal with central/PICC lines. I start IV's, I give PO/IM/SQ meds and I'm able to do all other patient care. Our department is the only one in the hospital that employs LVN's.

What you describe is all within the LVN's scope of practice. I have seen a few acute care jobs for LVNS in Calif but they state the LVN must have had 3 years of acute care experience within the last 5 years.

:redpinkhe