For this assignment, compare and contrast the standards of practice for the LPN and RN. How does understanding the roles of the healthcare team and standards of practice support a civil environment?
For example, a credible resource could be the State Board of Nursing website, a textbook, or a journal article.
Your assignment must contain at least three professional references, for example, a credible resource could be the State Board of Nursing website, a textbook, or a journal article
Use in-text citations and list your references in APA format at the end of your assignment.
Please write from nursing perspective
No consideration for plagiarism
350 words
The healthcare industry is composed of several professionals who work together to provide quality care to patients. Two of these professionals are the licensed practical nurse (LPN) and registered nurse (RN). LPNs and RNs have different roles and responsibilities, which are reflected in their standards of practice. Understanding these standards of practice is important not only for individual professional growth but also for promoting a civil environment in the healthcare team.
LPNs are licensed nurses who work under the supervision of RNs or physicians. The LPN scope of practice is focused on providing basic nursing care, such as administering medication, wound care, and vital signs monitoring. In contrast, RNs have a broader scope of practice that includes critical thinking, assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation of care. RNs also supervise and delegate tasks to LPNs and other unlicensed personnel. The scope of practice for both LPNs and RNs is regulated by state boards of nursing.
The American Nurses Association (ANA) is a professional organization that outlines the standards of practice for RNs. These standards cover the areas of assessment, diagnosis, outcomes identification, planning, implementation, evaluation, ethics, and professional practice. The National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service (NAPNES) outlines the standards of practice for LPNs. These standards cover the areas of patient care, communication, safety, legal and ethical issues, and professional development.
Understanding the roles and responsibilities of the healthcare team members and their standards of practice is crucial to creating a civil environment in healthcare. Communication is key to promoting a positive and collaborative work environment. LPNs and RNs must communicate effectively with each other and with other members of the healthcare team. They must also respect each other’s roles and responsibilities, recognizing that they each have a unique contribution to patient care.
In conclusion, LPNs and RNs have different roles and responsibilities that are reflected in their standards of practice. Understanding these standards and promoting effective communication and collaboration among healthcare team members can create a civil environment that promotes quality patient care. As a nurse, it is important to continue to develop professional skills and stay updated on changes in standards of practice to ensure that patients receive the best care possible.
References:
American Nurses Association. (2015). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice (3rd ed.). Silver Spring, MD: Author.
National Association for Practical Nurse Education and Service. (2017). Standards of practice for practical/vocational nursing. Retrieved from https://www.napnes.org/standards-of-practice