Just wondering...

Hi all RNs! I am an RN myself scheduled for RNY tomorrow! I just wanted to pass on something that has been bothering me a little bit. When I had my preop done, It was an LPN that started my IV and infusion of fluids. I know (in KS at least) that this can be done by an LPN if she has been IV certified. It was the same LPN who did my admission assessment (I thought the initial had to be done by an RN). It was a CNA who drew my blood (she obviously knew what she was doing, she was good!), and it was the same CNA who dc'd my IV (this one suprised me!) Don't think I am prejudiced for wondering why I didn't see an RN until I got into the OR for my EGD, I myself was a CNA fror 2 years, and an LPN for 10. I was just really shocked I never once saw an RN in preop! Am I just being overly snooty??? Just needed to vent! Thanks, Tonya

Wow, I am shocked too! I thought that you had to be an RN to do the initial assessment! It is weird how different the states are. I live in Ohio now, but graduated from school in Indianapolis, IN. Only 4 year nurses could do home health there, and you also had to have a 4 year degree to be a school nurse. I moved to Ohio, and you can be an AD nurse and do both. I don't have a problem with any of the above, except that initial assessment, for reasons you probably would agree with~advanced knowledge, ect. I don't think you are being snooty at all...health care is something else now. Best wishes and congrats on your surgery!

As far as the initial assessment goes... it is suppose to be an RN. The CNA's here D/C IV's all the time, however they clear it with the nurse first and most fo the CNA's have had a good phlebotomy class and draw blood all of the time. The part about the LPN doing your admission assessment does surprise me. Brook