What can an RN do that an LPN can't?

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Hello, all!

I'm trying to get into camp nursing, and I have had a camp director ask me the difference in scope of practice between an RN and an LPN. (I'm an LPN). So far, this is what I have:

#1, LPNs can't push IV meds

#2, LPNs can't start blood transfusions or hang blood

I feel there is quite a bit I am forgetting!

Can anyone help me out on this? I want him to be as informed as possible.

Thanks!

I think it will depend somewhat on the RNs at your camp. They may not want you to administer OTC meds without their OK / assessment.

Camp is SO different from the hospital; at many camps people with far less training administer OTCs on their own judgment (basically, the way parents do for their kids--except that it's not their kid), which the ACN doesn't like, but is a fact of camp life.

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>> What can an RN do that an LPN can't?

Pushups.

I'm not kidding. It's the major difference between LPN school and RN school. In RN school, they do about 300 a day. LPN's only do about 150 a day.

Hey, you don't have to believe me. Just go into any hospital and get the shift's attention. Tell them you want to have a pushup contest. You'll see. The RN's win every time.

Are the fishy and dancing monkey emotes new? :trout: :monkeydance: They're new to me, anyway. :wakeneo:

Pel

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true, but no actual "delegation" by definition could happen. Licenses would preclude that.

Would giving assignments, writing evaluations and writing disciplinaries be wrong? If so who should I contact my state BON?

On paper they supervise administratively but in reality they perform all the functions as a charge nurse in any other place I have ever worked. It just doesn't seem right.

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Would giving assignments, writing evaluations and writing disciplinaries be wrong? If so who should I contact my state BON?

On paper they supervise administratively but in reality they perform all the functions as a charge nurse in any other place I have ever worked. It just doesn't seem right.

Actually 12hrs, I would be curious to know how an LPN can evaluate the performance of an RN. Having once worked as an LPN prior to becoming an RN, I learned how different the roles actually are, despite the fact both roles appear similar on the surface.

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actually 12hrs, i would be curious to know how an lpn can evaluate the performance of an rn. having once worked as an lpn prior to becoming an rn, i learned how different the roles actually are, despite the fact both roles appear similar on the surface.

i am not sure i can answer that as i agree with what you say, but it is being done and has happened at several places i have worked (to include my current employer).

on a side note:

my reality check bounced :eek: :eek: arthor unknown

do you mean author unknown?

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I am an LVN in Texas. Every single ADON (Assistant Director of Nursing) at all of the facilities around here are LVNs. Therefore, these ADONs are in charge of the RNs who work at the bedside.

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I am an LVN in Texas. Every single ADON (Assistant Director of Nursing) at all of the facilities around here are LVNs. Therefore, these ADONs are in charge of the RNs who work at the bedside.

I am sure the ADON would be over the charge nurses. How does this work where you are at? Any bad feelings?

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i am not sure i can answer that as i agree with what you say, but it is being done and has happened at several places i have worked (to include my current employer).

on a side note:

my reality check bounced :eek: :eek: arthor unknown

do you mean author unknown?

:imbar :imbar umm, thanks for pointing that out.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I am sure the ADON would be over the charge nurses. How does this work where you are at? Any bad feelings?
If any bad feelings exist for the LVNs who fill these ADON positions, I don't hear anyone voicing too many negative sentiments. But one of my fellow LVNs did say, "An LVN has no business being an ADON."
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Specializes in Med-Surg.
If any bad feelings exist for the LVNs who fill these ADON positions, I don't hear anyone voicing too many negative sentiments. But one of my fellow LVNs did say, "An LVN has no business being an ADON."

I wonder do the LVN who work as ADON's get high salaries? I have a feeling this is just adminsitration abusing the LVN's by taking advantage of their LTC expertise and putting them in supervisory roles, (which probably makes sense) but still paying LVN-type salaries. My guess is some of the RN's this ADON supervises makes more money than she/he does. Just a guess.

In Florida the Nurse Practice Act is very clear that the LPN operates under the direction of an RN, MD, or Dentist, etc. I've only worked in one hospital here and LPNs are never in charge.

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to me i think it depends on what state you're in. what are you're state laws?

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