Practice Questions Related to Licensed Practical Nurses

Chemotherapy Bladder Installation by LPN

At its December 6-7, 2000 meeting, the Board determined that it is not within a licensed practical nurse's scope practice to administer BCG/INTRON via bladder instillation.

Collection of Data

Clarified that a LPN may interview, collect data and make observations to contribute to the plan of care. The LPN may not
make an independent nursing diagnosis or initiate a plan of care. (7/16/97)

Gastronomy Tubes

By consensus the Board determined that LPNs, who have received the necessary training and supervised clinical practice, may be delegated the tasks of reinserting supra pubic and gastrostomy tubes provided that the patient has a well established tract. The health care facilities should develop policies and procedures which are agreed upon by both the nursing and medical staffs. November 2, 1989

Peritoneal Dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis may be performed by an LPN who has received the required educational preparation and supervised clinical practice by a registered nurse with expertise in this area. (1988-1989)

The teaching of peritoneal dialysis to be performed in the home is not within the scope of practice of LPNs. (1989)

Private Duty

On the basis that the home setting does not fall within the Board's interpretation of a "structured health care setting", (e.g., hospital, nursing home), it is NOT permissible for a LPN to accept employment as a private duty nurse in the home setting, unless s/he is an employee of a community health agency. (March 1, 1990)

Ventilators

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) may care for a patient on a ventilator if that nurse has been trained to do so and if in the judgment of the registered professional nurse it is an appropriate delegation. The patient's total condition and the LPN's experience and skill level must both be considered.

At its April 6-7,1994 meeting, the Board determined that a LPN may provide care to a patient on a ventilator in a home setting where the registered nurse is not on site but is available on call. The LPN should have the appropriate skills and training necessary to render the care.