Kate is an LPN working on a surgical unit. After performing a physical assessment on Mrs. Rogers, and reviewing her client records, she determines that Mrs. Roger’s chest tube dressing needs to be changed.
Kate is aware that this activity is within the Scope of Practice for LPNs and that she has the required competence to perform this activity safely.
She is aware of BCCNM limits and conditions on this activity:
- The client has a stable or predictable status of health,
- She has successfully completed additional education through her organization/employer, and
- She follows her organization/employer policies, and Decision Support Tools for this activity
What's next?
- Kate assesses Mrs. Rogers and determines she is in a stable or predictable state of health
- Kate explains to Mrs. Rogers the activity she will be performing and answers any of her questions.
- Kate follows BCCNM's LPN Scope of Practice Standards for Acting within Autonomous (without an order) Scope of Practice and follows her organizational/employer's policy and Decision Support Tools for changing chest tube dressing
- Kate documents her assessment, the dressing change and Mrs. Rogers' responses during and after the dressing change
- Kate continues to monitor Mrs. Rogers and collaborates/communicates with members of the health care team if Mrs. Rogers' condition changes
Relevant Resources
Need help or advice?
For further information on the Standards of Practice or professional practice matters, contact us:
- Email
practice@bccnm.ca
- 604.742.6200 x8803 (Metro Vancouver)
- Toll-free 1.866.880.7101 x8803 (within Canada only)