The Role of the Licensed Practical Nurse/Licensed Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) in Hemodialysis, Peritoneal Dialysis, and Home Dialysis Care

Amid the current health care crisis, organizations must find strategies to ensure high-quality patient care while enabling all nursing levels (licensed practical nurse [LPN]/licensed vocational nurse [LVN], registered nurse [RN], and advanced practice registered nurse [APRN]) to practice to their full scope. Patients undergoing dialysis have complex needs, yet RN shortages have led to incomplete nursing tasks and compromised outcomes. LPNs/LVNs, who make up about 16% of the nursing workforce, deliver essential care that differs from RN/APRN roles. Each nursing role is governed by state-defined scope of practice. In dialysis, understanding the LPN/LVN scope is vital to ensure safe and efficient patient care and avoid inappropriate task delegation. RNs are accountable for delegation, making it essential they delegate appropriately. Strengthening collaboration and communication among nursing roles can improve both patient outcomes and workplace satisfaction.