Can An Lpn Legally Assess Patients In Arkansas?


This Question From Arkansas LPN Programs | 3 Answers


I think they can as long as they are working with an RN or MD, based on the job ad:
The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) collects patient /family information that assists the Registered Nurse in assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. The LPN provides safe, effective care for assigned patients with the assistance and under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.
Licensed Practical nurses (LPNs) work to promote health, prevent disease, and help patients cope with illness. They are advocates and health educators for patients, families, and communities. When providing direct patient care, they observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress in patients; assist physicians during surgeries, treatments, and examinations; administer medications; and assist in convalescence and rehabilitation. LPNs also develop and manage nursing care plans, instruct patients and their families in proper care, and help individuals and groups take steps to improve or maintain their health. While State laws govern the tasks that LPNs may perform, it is usually the work setting that determines their daily job duties.
Key responsibilities: Assist MD in surgery, schedule surgery for MD, call in appropriate orders per MD and give patient instructions for surgery as needed in a professional manner.
Assist MD in clinic with patient flow and procedures while anticipating needs of MD and providing proper equipment for MD. Administer medications and know side effects. Removal of staples and sutures, evaluation of infection and patient instruction.
Good luck.

3 Comments so far

  1. Totsakan on December 2, 2009 10:28 am

    The legal answer is NO. A Dr. or Rn. YES . LPN is only like a nurses aid. Licensed Practical Nurse. Just has enough training to get her in trouble.

  2. pommac on December 2, 2009 10:28 am

    i have to stand up for LPN’s here b/c i was one for a short time before obtaining my RN
    LPN’s don’t get enough credit for all that they do. they are NOT nurses aides-they have gone through school to obtain their nursing license and can practice legally AS nurses.
    the only difference between an RN and an LPN is that the lpn cannot legally push IV medications-this is the RN’s responsibility.
    the lpn can and will still have his/her own patients to care for during their 12 hour shift and this includes everything from assessment of the patient, patient care, passing out oral medications, and calling the dr to report changes or take orders if necessary.

  3. prncessa on December 2, 2009 11:27 am

    You can log on the Arkansas state board of nursing and look up the nurse practice acts to find the answer to your question. Personally, I don’t see why they could not as long as a RN is there to verify the assessment is correct.