LPNs & Respiratory Care
This Nebraska Board of Nursing advisory opinion is issued in accordance with Neb. Rev. Stat. § 38-2216. As such, this advisory opinion is for informational purposes only and is non-binding.
It is the opinion of the Board that it is acceptable practice for LPNs to provide chest percussion, aerosol treatment and IPPB therapy. Additionally, it is appropriate practice for LPNs to perform naso-pharyngeal and oral pharyngeal suctioning. LPN practice may include tracheal suctioning for purposes of maintaining an open airway; it is not appropriate practice for LPNs to provide bronchial tree suctioning.
LPNs may assist with ventilator care by making observations, and by recording and reporting such observations. It is not appropriate for LPNs to independently implement nursing actions based upon conclusions or assessments drawn from their observations, i.e., make ventilator adjustments.
A licensed nurse is accountable to be competent for all nursing care that he/she provides. Competence means the ability of the nurse to apply interpersonal, technical and decision-making skills at the level of knowledge consistent with the prevailing standard for the nursing activity being applied. Accountability also includes acknowledgment of personal limitations in knowledge and skills, and communicating the need for specialized instruction prior to providing any nursing activity.
Approved: January 1988
Reaffirmed: April 1996
Attorney General Opinion