The role of a LPN in the ER

[dlr08]

I am writing a clinical narrative report on the ER and I know what the Role Of the RN is but I do not recall seeing any LPN's there. So my question is what is the Role of an LPN in the ER? Can somebody please help?

[drmorton2b]

Out here in MA, I have never heard of any LPNs in the ER. Except in extreme western MA. LPNs are used a lot here in psych, and they are in the Nurseries with the babies at some hospitals. As far as LPNs having a primary duty in the ER, I haven't seen much of it out here in the last 10 years or so.

[Fiona59]

You would have to know the scope of practice for your state.

Up here, the LPN works as an OR Tech in the OR. BUT only after achieving a certificate and attachment to their practice permit. I remember seeing one at work when I was a student and have met a few over the years. They are the instrument nurse, responsible for the set up, counting, and removal of all instruments and swabs used during the surgery. They are paid a different wage from LPNS.

[HopeItWorksDNP]

I am an LPN in the ER. Here in Tennessee many of the smaller hospitals use us as the second nurse in the ER from 11a-11p. I do a lot of the same work the RN does. The exceptions are: triage (but we are usually door to room, not too much triage taking place), initial physical assessment, push cardiac meds, IVP meds on peds patients, and some paperwork has to be signed by the RN like our notification of death paperwork.

I bring pts back from the waiting room, get their chief complaint, history, etc. Enter orders (often before the MD sees the patient), start IV's, give/push meds, admit/transfer pts, call report. Work codes (just can't push the meds), post mortem care, call Donor Services. Drop NG tubes, suction, place caths, assist with suturing, call Child Protective Services when necessary...you name it, I do a little of it.

Any specific questions, feel free to PM me.

[jk2185, BSN, RN]

Hey,

I've been an LPN for 3 yrs, 2 in LTC, and 1 in urgent care. I recently got a month to month contract working in an ER. What kind of stuff can I expect to be doing? I'm proficient with IVs, caths, Med admin (IM, SQ, PO, ID, PR), venipuncture. What kind of stuff should I brush up on before I start. Any suggestions would be great. I'm a little nervous about getting on a real acute floor.

Thanks

[newcastlern]

It depends on what state you're in. In Wyoming, LPN's with IV skills, they aren't allowed to do IVP meds at all. They can start IV's and hang fluids and antibiotics. No blood administration. They aren't allowed to do the initial assessment on a pt. an RN has to sign all paperwork with them. It's kind of a lot of responsibility for the RN to oversee everything they do but we do have an LPN on our staff in the ER but it's not seen very often. We only have 2 nurses on each shift so it can make things a little challenging if you're on with the LPN at times