The role of the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) in some states, is to provide foundational patient care under the direction of other licensed providers. The question of whether an LPN can perform phlebotomy, the technical term for drawing blood, relates directly to their defined scope of practice. This particular task is a common and necessary part of patient management, making its inclusion in the LPN role a frequent point of inquiry.
Defining the Licensed Practical Nurse Role
A Licensed Practical Nurse provides direct, hands-on care, often serving as a link between the patient and the rest of the healthcare team. LPNs generally complete an accredited educational program that takes approximately one year to finish, preparing them for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Their practice is characterized as a “directed scope” of nursing, meaning their actions are performed under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN), physician, or other authorized practitioner. This role centers on basic medical tasks, such as monitoring vital signs, assisting with daily activities, administering medications, and providing comfort care. LPNs are accountable for their actions and judgments, ensuring they perform tasks within their validated knowledge, skill set, and competency.
Venipuncture as a Licensed Activity
In most jurisdictions, LPNs are authorized to perform venipuncture for the purpose of collecting diagnostic blood samples. This skill is often integrated into the core curriculum of LPN training programs, demonstrating competency in accessing peripheral vasculature with appropriate collection equipment. The collection of blood via a simple peripheral venipuncture is a technical skill considered within the directed scope of practical nursing when performed with proper training and a physician’s order.
It is important to differentiate routine blood collection from more complex vascular access procedures, which are often restricted. Tasks such as inserting an intravenous (IV) line or managing specific central venous access devices frequently require additional, state-approved IV therapy certification. High-risk procedures, like therapeutic phlebotomy or administering medications via a central line, are often specifically excluded from the LPN’s scope of practice unless explicit advanced training and state regulations permit it.
State Board Oversight and Employer Requirements
The ultimate determination of whether an LPN can draw blood is governed by a two-tiered system: the legal authority granted by the State Board of Nursing (BON) and the specific policy of the employing facility. Each state’s Nurse Practice Act outlines the legal boundaries for LPNs, and these regulations can vary significantly. An LPN must verify that phlebotomy is explicitly allowed within their state’s rules, which often requires appropriate education and training.
Even when a state BON allows LPNs to perform venipuncture, the specific healthcare facility must grant that competency through its internal policies and procedures. Employers define the LPN’s role through job descriptions and guidelines, often requiring an internal competency check or specialized training before performing the task. Therefore, an LPN must always adhere to the most restrictive guideline—whether it is the state law or the employer’s policy—and maintain documentation of their ability to perform the procedure safely.