Is it within the scope of practice of the licensed practical nurse to administer Coumadin and subcutaneous Heparin?
It is within the scope of practice of the appropriately prepared licensed practical nurse to administer Coumadin and subcutaneous heparin provided: • The licensed practical nurse is educated and competent in the procedure. This education and competence must be documented initially and on an ongoing basis. (The nurse must be knowledgeable of all components related to administration of the medications; i.e., indications and use, actions, dosages, contraindications, precautions, side effects, antidote, recommended monitoring and emergency resources/equipment, etc.); • There is a medical order for the procedure; • The procedure is a generally accepted standard of practice; • The procedure is performed and the patient monitored according to accepted standards of practice; • All necessary resources including, but not limited to, essential monitoring and emergency equipment are available; and • The facility has policies and procedures in place regarding all aspects of the issue. The Board doe
