We are a relatively new PICC team started in Dec. We now
place about 70 PICC lines per month. With this increase there has become
an issue of blood draws. We still have a few LPN's who work at our
hospital. Because of our policy LPN's can not hang meds on PICC lines
so they can't do the blood draws. This causes extra work for the RN who
must do the draws for the LPN's.
I am wondering if this policy we have is out dated? Are there facilities that
allow LPN's to use PICC lines for infusion and to do blood draws?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Kathy Kokotis
Bard Access Systems
Every state has a nursing board. The most important thing to find out if this is within the LPN scope of practice in your state. This is very state dependent.
If it is withing their scope of practice or there is a decision algorithm for what an LPN can do than set up a training / competency program.
I believe this group can safely do the blood draws. The key is the liability for the action which is regulated by the state
Kathy Kokotis
Kathy Kokotis
Bard Access Systems
Thank you for your input. You have atleast given me some ideas that it may indeed be with in the LPN scope of practice here in Massachussets. I did call the State Board of Nursing but missed the return call. I will call again next week.
Of course it can be a no win situation. When our LPN's have been asked to learn advance skills such as startiing IV's they get mad because they are doing more work for the same pay, the RN should be doing it, or they just refuse to learn the skill.
Right now the RN's are upset because they have their own patients to take care of but must stop and do the LPN's line draws. I am hoping we can find a solution that will be accetpable to everyone.
I understand both sides.
Thanks for your comments and help.
Rhonda Wojtas, RN PICC Team
Lowell MA
Rhonda Wojtas, RN,BSN, VA-BC