Prepare A Two To Three-Page Written Assignment That I 866503 ✓ Solved

Prepare A Two To Three Page Written Assignment That Includes The Follo

Prepare a two to three page written assignment that includes the following: Introduction to the assignment (sections of the assignment; roles of the nurse, scope of practice, compare and contrast scope of practice) Describe the roles of the nurse for the program you are currently enrolled Identify the scope of practice for the nurse in the state where you intend to practice Using the Nurse Practice Act for the state where you intend to practice, compare and contrast the scope of practice for the LPN and RN Conclusion (reflect on the assignment including how you will use the scope of practice to support your role) Use at least two credible resources to support your findings. For example, one of the resources could be the State Board of Nursing website, and another resource could be a textbook. These resources must be integrated into the body of your paper using at least two in-text citations. Be sure to use proper APA format and style.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The nursing profession encompasses a wide array of roles, responsibilities, and scopes of practice that are vital to delivering quality healthcare. For students currently enrolled in nursing programs, understanding the distinct roles of nurses, as well as the legal scope of practice within their respective states, is essential for professional development and safe patient care. This paper will describe the roles of the nurse within my current program, identify the scope of practice for nurses in the state where I plan to practice, and compare and contrast the scope of practice for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) based on the Nurse Practice Act of that state.

Roles of the Nurse in My Current Program

As a nursing student enrolled in the Associate Degree in Nursing program, my role integrates both educational and practical responsibilities. The primary focus is on developing competencies in patient assessment, administering medications, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. These roles are aligned with the broader objective of preparing to become a professional nurse committed to providing holistic, patient-centered care. In addition, I am responsible for adhering to the ethical standards of nursing, maintaining patient confidentiality, and documenting care accurately, which are foundational to safe nursing practice (American Nurses Association, 2015).

Scope of Practice for Nurses in My State

In the state of California, the scope of practice for nurses is delineated by the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). According to the Nurse Practice Act, RNs are authorized to perform assessments, develop care plans, administer medications, and supervise LPNs and unlicensed assistive personnel. The scope also emphasizes the importance of practicing within the legal boundaries and under the supervision of a physician or authorized practitioner (California Board of Registered Nursing, 2020). The scope of practice for LPNs in California is more restricted, primarily involving basic bedside care, medication administration under supervision, and monitoring vital signs. Understanding these legal parameters ensures that nurses provide safe, competent care without overstepping their professional boundaries.

Compare and Contrast of LPN and RN Scope of Practice

The scope of practice for LPNs and RNs varies significantly, primarily due to differences in education, training, and legal responsibilities. RNs undergo extensive education—including a diploma, associate degree, or bachelor's degree—and are equipped to perform comprehensive assessments, develop nursing diagnoses, and implement complex care plans. They also have the authority to administer a wider range of medications and perform invasive procedures independently (Hughes, 2018).

In contrast, LPNs typically complete a shorter training program and focus on providing basic bedside care. Their scope is limited to assisting with activities of daily living, charting patient responses, and administering certain medications under supervision. RNs serve as the coordinators of care and are responsible for more complex clinical decision-making, whereas LPNs support RNs by carrying out delegated tasks within their scope.

The legal distinctions defined by the Nurse Practice Act serve to clarify these roles and promote patient safety. While both LPNs and RNs are integral to healthcare delivery, their scope ensures that responsibilities are appropriately allocated according to their training and licensure status (Mason et al., 2019).

Conclusion

Through this exploration of the scope of practice, I recognize the importance of understanding and respecting legal boundaries to fulfill my role ethically and competently. As I progress towards becoming an RN, I will utilize the scope of practice as a guide for safe practice, ensuring I perform only those functions within my legal authority. Additionally, awareness of the distinctions between LPN and RN scopes will enable me to collaborate effectively with colleagues from different levels of licensure, fostering a team-based approach to patient care. Ultimately, adhering to the legal scope of practice will support my professional growth and uphold the standards of nursing excellence.

References

• California Board of Registered Nursing. (2020). Nurse Practice Act and Regulations. https://www.rn.ca.gov
• Hughes, R. G. (2018). Legal and ethical issues in nursing. Nursing Clinics of North America, 53(2), 159-169.
• Mason, D. J., Leavitt, J. K., & Pacsu, V. (2019). Advancing nursing practice at the top of license. Nursing Outlook, 67(5), 523-531.
• American Nurses Association. (2015). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice. ANA.
• State Board of Nursing Websites and Official State Nursing Practice Acts. (2023). Accessed through respective state boards.