[annelieseRN]

I am from NJ and we keep saying that LPN's can not take care and give antibiotics through picc lines yet the DON says they can. Can anyone say me some concrete evidence that this is the case?

thank you~

[Marie_LPN]

Check with your state's BON, and see what they have to say.

Where i work, PICC lines are RN only.

[kwnurse]

I was an LPN in NJ for 9 years we were allowed to care & access PICCs as long as we were IV certified as an LPN you were not allowed to draw blood from PICC only a RN could.

[kwnurse]

IV certification is given through your facility ussually by the pharmacy that supplies your meds.

[boomer]

New York state does not allow LPNs to access Picc lines, nor change a Picc line dsg. Not even if they are IV cert.

[kmath]

I've been an LPN in WA since 1994. I have worked in several specilties from ER/Trauma to peds. I've found that EACH facility has a different scope of practices for LPN's. This can be confusing and frustrating for both RN's and LPN's. However, to answer the question in WA "YES" LPN's can care for picc line's and central lines. Below is the following WAC.

The LPN may perform administration of fluids, medication, TPN, blood or blood products via
central venous catheters and central lines, access these lines for blood draws and administration
of emergency cardiac medications via IV push if the following occurs:
(1) Strict guidelines and protocols are in place
(2) The guidelines clearly state all policies and procedures
(3) Annual review and assessment of the LPN’s knowledge, skills and abilities is
conducted
(4) Emergency cardiac medications given “IV push” shall be administered by the LPN
only if:
a. The LPN has direct supervision per WAC 246-840-010(11)(c) or
b. The LPN has a current ACLS certification,
(5) Blood or blood products shall only be given with direct supervision as per WAC 246-
840-010(11)(c).
(6) It is within the scope of LPN practice to perform peripheral venipuncture (to start IV’s
or draw blood), flush peripheral, PICC and central lines for the purpose of ensuring
patency if the following occurs:
a. The LPN completes an annual instructional program on the initiation of peripheral
IV’s.
b. Documentation of satisfactory completion of the instructional program and
supervised practice is on file with the employer.
c. Written policies may administer