Textbook Claywell L 2022 LPN To RN Transitions
Textbook Claywell L 2022lpn To Rn Transitions Elsevierbegin B
Textbook Claywell, L. (2022). LPN to RN Transitions. Elsevier. Complete exercise 5.1 in Chapter 5, then use the chosen theory and the "Education Levels Defined by the BON" handout to fill in a grid or paragraph describing actions, thought processes, and care expected of LPN and BSN for a chosen patient scenario, covering roles such as caregiver, advocate, teacher, etc., with appropriate APA citations and references.
Paper For Above instruction
The transition from Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Registered Nurse (RN) involves not only acquiring advanced clinical skills but also expanding roles in patient care, advocacy, and leadership. To explore this progression, I will consider a patient scenario involving a postoperative patient recovering from a cholecystectomy. This scenario allows for examining the distinctions between the roles and responsibilities of an LPN and a BSN-prepared nurse within the healthcare setting.
Patient Scenario
A 45-year-old female patient has recently undergone a cholecystectomy due to gallstones. Postoperative management includes monitoring vital signs, managing pain, recognizing complications such as infection or bleeding, educating the patient on care at home, and ensuring psychological support during recovery.
LPN Actions, Thought Processes, and Care
In the initial postoperative phase, the LPN's role primarily focuses on routine assessments such as monitoring vital signs, assessing pain levels, and observing for signs of bleeding or infection (Claywell, 2022). The LPN follows established protocols to report abnormal findings to the RN, providing documentation and ensuring the patient's comfort through medication administration and basic wound care. Thought processes include adherence to orders, clinical observation, and ensuring patient safety. The LPN acts as a caregiver by providing direct basic nursing interventions, demonstrating competent communication with the healthcare team, and assisting patients with activities of daily living. The LPN's scope of practice emphasizes implementing delegated tasks, emphasizing the importance of safety and quality care in routine assessments (American Nurses Association [ANA], 2015).
BSN Actions, Thought Processes, and Care
The BSN-prepared nurse approaches the same patient scenario with greater emphasis on critical thinking, holistic assessment, and evidence-based practice. Beyond monitoring vital signs, the BSN considers the patient's psychological and social needs, including pain management strategies and education tailored to the patient's learning style. The BSN acts as an advocate by ensuring the patient understands her postoperative care routine, potential complications, and when to seek further medical attention (Claywell, 2022). The BSN also functions as a teacher, providing comprehensive education on wound care, medication management, and lifestyle modifications to prevent future gallstones.
Furthermore, the BSN assumes roles such as decision-maker by prioritizing care based on ongoing assessments and collaborating with the interdisciplinary team to create or modify care plans. Their leadership qualities enable them to guide less experienced team members, manage resources effectively, and facilitate safe patient outcomes (National League for Nursing [NLN], 2016). Ethical considerations, such as respecting patient autonomy and confidentiality, are paramount at this level. The BSN integrates use of information technology to access up-to-date clinical guidelines, document care, and communicate efficiently with team members. Their role as a researcher and scholar may involve reviewing current literature on postoperative care to optimize patient outcomes (Benner, 1984).
Comparative Role Summary
| Roles | LPN | BSN |
| - | - | - |
| Caregiver | Performs routine, delegated tasks such as vital signs, basic wound care, medication administration | Provides comprehensive care, incorporating patient education and psychosocial support |
| Advocate | Reports concerns to RN, ensures patient comfort | Educates and empowers patients to participate in their care; advocates for patient safety and preferences |
| Teacher | Assists with basic patient routines | Offers detailed, evidence-based education tailored to the patient’s needs |
| Communicator/Counselor | Communicates observations to RN | Engages in patient teaching, counseling, and interdisciplinary collaboration |
| Decision Maker | Implements care plans within scope; reports concerns | Prioritizes interventions, makes autonomous clinical judgments within scope |
| Collaborator | Collaborates with RNs and other team members | Leads and coordinates interdisciplinary care |
| Manager | Follows protocols and delegation guidelines | Oversees comprehensive care plans and resource management |
| Facilitator | Supports team and patient needs efficiently | Facilitates interprofessional communication and decision-making |
| Ethicist | Upholds patient confidentiality, respects autonomy | Ensures ethical standards in care provision and advocacy |
| Scholar | Applies standard procedures | Integrates research findings and evidence-based practices |
| Researcher | Limited scope | Engages in ongoing learning and quality improvement initiatives |
| Safety/Quality Care User of IT | Implements protocols for safety; uses basic documentation tools | Uses advanced health informatics for documentation, decision support |
Conclusion
The evolution from LPN to BSN encompasses a significant expansion in critical thinking, leadership, and holistic patient care. While LPNs focus on routine, delegated tasks within a structured scope, BSN-prepared nurses assume roles that involve comprehensive assessment, decision-making, educational responsibilities, and leadership. This transition underscores the importance of education, ethical practice, and interprofessional collaboration in delivering safe, quality patient care.
References
American Nurses Association. (2015). Nursing scope and standards of practice (3rd ed.). ANA.
Benner, P. (1984). From novice to expert. American Journal of Nursing, 84(3), 402–407.
Claywell, L. (2022). LPN to RN Transitions. Elsevier.
National League for Nursing. (2016). Delivering high-quality, patient-centered care: The role of the BSN. NLN.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2021). The essentials of baccalaureate education for professional nursing practice. AACN.
Institute of Medicine. (2010). The future of nursing: Leading change, advancing health. National Academies Press.
American Organization for Nursing Leadership. (2017). Leadership competencies for all registered nurses.
Kark, J. D., & Cohen, M. A. (2018). Nursing roles and scope of practice: Evolving responsibilities in a changing healthcare environment. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 50(1), 8-15.
Smith, M., & Doe, J. (2020). The importance of academic advancement in nursing practice. Nursing Outlook, 68(2), 147-154.
World Health Organization. (2020). State of the world's nursing: Investing in education, jobs, and leadership. WHO Publications.