silly question, can LPN's Teach

[blardyblardyhelp!!]

I am a new LPN and am a little confused on weither or not LPN's can teach. I have to do admitts and d/c at my SNF and want to make sure this is ok under my scope of practice (Oregon). My NPA (Nurse Practice Act) says "provide, under the direction of a RN, health care clients using established protocols, can someone disect this please! I am so nervous my facility is asking me to do things beyond my scope because I am so new I just don't know(first LPN job, start in a few days). I have so many questions, is it ok to call the Dr. intead of the RN like my facilities policy and procedure says when my NPA says collect data and in a timely mannor report it to a RN, ofcoorifice it also says communicate nursing interventions and responses to care to the appropriate members of the health care team. And develop work assignments, Is all this OK??? I am scared out of my wits and tend to phych myself out (as in right now) Does this all sound corect, will I stay with-in my scope doing admitt's, D/C's, (ie, teaching), Calling Dr.s instead of RN, and making assignments? I am sorry, I just need some support, I am so nervous and have worked so hard..as all of you know. I just want to do the right things. Please help!

[catlady, BSN, RN]

You could go back and read the response that I gave you a couple of days ago when you posed the same question in the LTC forum. And the other folks who responded, as well.

[RC1]

only an RN can do the initial admission assessment-technicaly. An LVN/LPN can do one however but an RN must verify it's clinical veracity. Regarding everything else, I would asvise you to use your computer to download a copy of you nurse practice act which should be located on your states board of nursing web site or available directly from them via snail mail.

[blardyblardyhelp!!]

Thank you, I have already done both suggestions. I was hopeing for conformation that I was doing the right things but seems like that is hard to find. You here of some many times that facilities ask you to do what is beond your scope and telling this is ok. YOu wouldn't believe how hard it is to find out, I have been searching endlessly for over a month now.My nurse practice act is so vague I can't make head or tail of it, I ve asked my state boards and get a vague response or no answer at all. I have aked this web site, friends, my soon to be place of buisiness. I was just hoping some practicing LPN's could shed some light on my questions for me. I have made other posts with the same questions but I am not yet satisfied with the answer I have as only two individuals have given their opinion. If you are an LPN can you answer? DO you teach? Do admitt and D/C? notifiy the Dr. not the RN if an abn. or change in pt condition? Thank you.

[mickeypat]

I do all of those things that you are asking about. I am also certified to insert IV's, do blood draws and such. Yes, I do patient teaching. I also make assignments for where the aides will be working. Once you begin to start working and going thru orientation, you will learn and understand more about what you can and can't do. Don't be afraid to ask questions, if you think of something write it down. Make yourself a cheat sheet to use, helps alot when you've got 10 things to remember!

Good luck!

[meownsmile, BSN, RN]

Just my input, but if you are confused by your NPA and other answers you get then my suggestion is make sure you know the Policy and procedure manual inside and out at the facility you are going to work at. You will have some orientation period to get familiar with it, know where it is, and use it. If you feel uncomfortable with anything they are asking you to do,, look it up and go by the book. If its in their manual you are covered. If their manual is sketchy at best, i mean referring to "nurse" instead of specifically RN or LPN then clearify it in writing with the DON.