Practice - FAQs

Triage is considered to be part of the assessment phase of the nursing process and considered to be the initial assessment in determining the care of the patient. Therefore, an LPN may not triage without the direct supervision of an RN or a physician and the RN would be responsible for verifying the assessment findings with the patient.

You may access the Iowa Administrative Code 655, Chapter 6, and Section 6.3 to view the minimum standards of practice for the licensed practical nurse concerning the nursing process.

In order for an LPN to supervise in an intermediate or skilled health care facility, the LPN MUST have satisfactorily completed a course of study approved by the board, which is designed specifically for the supervision role in the long term care patient care setting. The board approved course is “Supervising in Health Care Facilities.” The course must be presented by a board-approved nursing program or a board approved provider of continuing education.  Effective February 1, 2017, a new course by National Healthcare Institute (NHI) is approved. See the course link on our Online LPN Course page.

Refer to the Iowa Administrative Code 655, Chapter 6, Section 6.2(5)" c", which states that, "Activities and functions which are beyond the scope of practice of the licensed practical nurse may not be delegated to unlicensed assistive personnel."

When deciding what functions to delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel please refer to the delegation information at this link: Delegation

When delegating it is always necessary to assess the individual patient, the task, and the individual personnel, to ensure that delegation is a safe plan of care for the patient.

Once the decision has been made to delegate a task, there must be adequate education and training, documentation of the competency of the individual, a plan for future evaluation and a written institutional policy for carrying out the procedure.

The RN and LPN maintain accountability for the delegation process, which includes: assessment, the decision to delegate, monitoring and evaluation of the nursing care.

The Board of Nursing does not certify Certified Nursing Assistants or Direct Care Workers. Please call 515.281.4077 or 515.281.0108 for assistance. For questions regarding Certified Medication Aides, call 515.242.5991.