Understanding IV Therapy Scope for LPNs in Maine — And How to Get the Education You Need
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) play a vital role in the delivery of intravenous (IV) therapy across many healthcare settings. But in Maine, what an LPN can or cannot do with IVs is clearly defined by the state’s Board of Nursing. Understanding these categories not only helps ensure compliance—it empowers you to take the next step in your nursing practice with confidence.
Let’s break down the education and training requirements for LPNs in Maine when it comes to IV therapy—and how you can meet those requirements through a specialized course built just for you.
🩺 IV Therapy Practice Levels for LPNs in Maine
Maine's Board of Nursing outlines three distinct categories of IV therapy tasks for LPNs in Chapter 10 of its rules:
Category I – Basic IV Therapy (No Additional Education Required)
If you’re a practicing LPN, you already have the foundational training to:
- Monitor flow rates (mechanical pump or gravity).
- Observe for and report IV complications.
- Inspect insertion sites and change IV dressings.
- Remove peripheral IVs (excluding midlines).
These skills are part of your standard scope of practice and are supervised by a Registered Nurse (RN).
Category II – Advanced IV Procedures (Facility-Based or Additional Education Required)
To perform more complex IV tasks, you’ll need additional education and competency validation at the facility level. With proper training and RN supervision, you can:
- Start peripheral IVs (not including midlines or PICCs).
- Administer premixed or RN-prepared IV fluids and medications.
- Flush IV lines with saline or heparin.
- Change PCA cassettes and program pumps.
- Administer TPN (Total Parenteral Nutrition).
- Change central line dressings and administration sets.
- Give IV narcotics via infusion pumps.
- Draw blood specimens when inserting IV lines.
- And more…
This level of care opens up your clinical flexibility—but only if your training meets Maine’s standards.
Category III – Registered Nurse Scope
Some IV tasks are strictly within the RN scope of practice. LPNs should always collaborate with their RN team and refer to institutional policies when it comes to grey areas or advanced therapies.
📘 Want to Expand Your IV Therapy Skills? There’s a Course for That.
If you're ready to step into Category II IV responsibilities, Pedagogy Continuing Nurse Education offers a state-approved online course tailored to Maine LPNs:
Why LPNs Love This Course:
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covers anatomy, legal guidelines, fluid and electrolyte balance, aseptic techniques, IV medication administration, and more.
- Flexible Learning: 14 contact hours completed entirely online, at your own pace.
- Skill Competency Checklists: Printable checklists included to complete your facility-level validation with a preceptor.
- Evidence-Based: Aligned with standards from the Infusion Nurses Society, CDC, and FDA.
Whether you're looking to expand your scope, increase your confidence, or meet state/facility requirements, this course is your next step.
💡 Final Thoughts
Maine's clear guidelines around LPN IV therapy practice ensure safe, effective patient care—but they also present a professional growth opportunity. By understanding your scope and completing an approved course like Pedagogy's Maine IV Therapy Education, you position yourself as a skilled, confident LPN ready to handle today’s IV therapy challenges.
Ready to take the next step? Register today!
