Professional Identity Of The Nurse: Role Of The Nurse And Sc ✓ Solved

Professional Identity of the Nurse: Role of the Nurse and Scope of Practice

Prepare a two to three page written assignment that includes the following:

Introduction to the assignment: Explain the sections of the assignment, including the roles of the nurse, scope of practice, and comparison and contrast of scope of practice.

Roles of the nurse: Describe the roles of the nurse for the program you are currently enrolled in.

Scope of practice: Identify the scope of practice for the nurse in the state where you intend to practice.

Comparison of scope of practice: Using the Nurse Practice Act for that state, compare and contrast the scope of practice for LPN and RN nurses.

Conclusion: Reflect on the assignment, including how you will use the scope of practice to support your role.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The development of a professional identity is a crucial aspect of nursing education and practice. It involves understanding the roles, responsibilities, scope of practice, and ethical standards that govern the nursing profession. This paper explores the roles of nurses, their scope of practice, and compares the scope differences between Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) in the context of my current nursing program and future practice location. The goal is to understand how these elements shape professional identity and inform safe, competent nursing practice.

Roles of the Nurse

Nurses play an integral role in delivering comprehensive healthcare. They serve as patient advocates, educators, caregivers, and collaborators within interdisciplinary teams. Based on my current program, I understand that nurses are responsible for assessing patients, implementing care plans, providing patient education, and advocating for patient needs. Advanced practice nurses, such as nurse practitioners, also deliver specialized and primary care services (All Answers Ltd., 2018). In clinical settings, nurses are expected to demonstrate compassion, critical thinking, and adherence to ethical standards to ensure high-quality patient outcomes.

Scope of Practice

The scope of practice delineates the procedures and activities that nurses are authorized to undertake based on their education, certification, and legal regulation (All Answers Ltd., 2018). In my practice location, which is Texas, the Texas Board of Nursing specifies that RNs can perform comprehensive assessments, develop and implement care plans, administer medications, and collaborate with healthcare teams. RNs may also provide health education and advocate for patient needs. LPNs, by contrast, are limited to basic bedside care, such as bathing, feeding, and feeding, and assisting with routine tasks under the supervision of RNs (Texas Board of Nursing, 2020). The scope varies significantly depending on the educational level and certification status of the nurse.

Comparison of Scope of Practice: LPN vs. RN

The core differences between LPNs and RNs are rooted in their education, clinical responsibilities, and autonomy. LPNs typically complete a one-year training program and operate under direct supervision, providing fundamental patient care like hygiene, comfort measures, and observation of vital signs (Staff Writers, 2020). RNs undergo more extensive training, usually through a diploma, associate's, or bachelor's degree, enabling them to perform complex assessments, initiate interventions, and coordinate care independently (Staff Writers, 2020). RNs also have higher accountability and legal responsibilities, including diagnosing health issues and developing individualized care plans, which are outside the scope of LPNs.

Reflection and Application

Understanding the scope of practice and the delineation between various nursing roles enables me to set realistic professional goals and adhere to legal and ethical standards. As I progress in my education, I plan to utilize this knowledge to expand my competencies and advance toward roles with greater autonomy, such as becoming a registered nurse or an advanced practice nurse. Recognizing my scope of practice helps me to serve my patients effectively while respecting professional boundaries and regulatory requirements.

Conclusion

This assignment has reinforced the importance of understanding my professional role, scope of practice, and the differences between nursing levels. By grounding my practice in a solid knowledge base about legal and ethical standards, I can ensure safe, competent, and compassionate care. Moving forward, I will continuously update my knowledge of the Nurse Practice Act and other regulations to support my growth as a responsible and effective nurse.

References

• All Answers Ltd. (2018). How Can a Nurse Improve and Develop Professional Identity? Retrieved from https://www.marketing91.com/how-can-a-nurse-improve-and-develop-professional-identity/
• Compton, G., Tobin, B., Rodgers, P., McCarthy, S., Chubbs, K., & Power, L. (2006). Scope of Nursing Practice: Definition, Decision-Making, and Delegation. Association of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador, 55, 1-26.
• Staff Writers. (2020). LPN vs RN + Roles & Responsibilities – NurseJournal. Retrieved July 26, 2020, from https://nursejournal.org/resources/lpn-vs-rn/
• Texas Board of Nursing. (2020). Advanced Practice Registered Nurse FAQ. Retrieved July 26, 2020, from https://www.bon.texas.gov/faq_aprn.html
• Larson, J., Brady, N., Engelmann, L., Perkins, B., & Shultz, C. (2013). The formation of professional identity in nursing. Nursing Education Perspectives, 34(2), 138.
• American Nurses Association. (2015). Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements. American Nurses Publishing.
• Benner, P. (1984). From Novice to Expert: Excellence and Power in Clinical Nursing Practice. Prentice-Hall.
• Institute of Medicine. (2011). The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health. The National Academies Press.
• American Association of Nurse Practitioners. (2020). Scope of Practice. Retrieved from https://www.aanp.org/about/all-about-nps/practice-settings/scope-of-practice
• National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2018). NCLEX-RN Examination Candidate Bulletin. NCSBN.