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Licensed Practical Nurse-Certified (LPN-C)
Description of LPN-C Practice

Intravenous therapy is a complex activity and, within nursing, is the responsibility of the registered nurse as prescribed by the licensed practitioner. A licensed practical nurse-certified may perform limited intravenous therapy interventions under the direction of a registered nurse or licensed practitioner. A licensed practical nurse-certified may be used to complement the registered nurse’s role or licensed practitioner role in the administration of intravenous therapy, but cannot be used as a substitute for the registered nurse or licensed practitioner. An LPN-C may only provide intravenous interventions when there is a licensed practitioner or registered nurse assessing the client at least once every 24 hours, or more frequently when a significant change in therapy or client condition has occurred.

When under the direct supervision of an RN or licensed practitioner, an LPN-C may perform these activities for an adult client:

1. Infuse intravenous fluids and administer approved medications into a continuous flow central line. Infusing fluids and administering approved medications into an intermittent central line is not permitted.
2. Administer an initial dose of an approved medication as described in  172 Nebraska Administrative Code (NAC) 102-003 Practice of Licensed Practical Nurses - Certified - Eligibility to Practice, by an approved method.
3. Add Dextrose 10% as a meal replacement.

When under the direction of an RN or licensed practitioner, an LPN-C may perform these activities for an adult client:

1. Perform venipuncture in the hand, forearm, antecubital fossa area, and/or the upper arm with a device three inches in length or less. For the initial venipuncture, the RN or licensed practitioner must have performed a face to face assessment of the current status of the client.
2. Calculate rate of flow.
3. Administer approved medications, as described in  172 NAC 102-003 Practice of Licensed Practical Nurses - Certified - Eligibility to Practice, by approved methods. If administering pain medications through a patient controlled administration pump, the cassette or syringe must have been commercially prepared, or prepared by a pharmacist, physician or registered nurse.
4. Reinsert, convert and flush peripheral intermittent infusion devices.

When under the direction of an RN or licensed practitioner, an LPN-C may perform these activities for a pediatric client:

1. Administer pain medications through a patient controlled administration pump if the medication has been commercially prepared, or prepared by a pharmacist, physician or registered nurse.
2. Flush a peripheral intermittent infusion device.

Approved Medications. When approving medications for intravenous administration by an LPN-C, the RN or licensed practitioner must consider the following:

1. Adverse consequences;
2. How adverse consequences are manifested;
3. How adverse consequences are measured;
4. What intervention is required; and
5. How intervention is applied.

Approved medications do not include:

1. Blood and blood products;
2. Antineoplastic agents;
3. Oxytocics;
4. Anti-arrhythmics; and
5. Hyperalimentation.