Title Of Paper Your Name Rasmussen College Course#: Course T
Title of Paper Your Name Rasmussen College COURSE#: Course Title Professor’s Name Assignment Due Date Title of Paper
Write a comprehensive academic paper examining the roles of nurses, their scope of practice, and how these vary between Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs). The paper should include an introduction outlining the sections of the assignment, a detailed discussion of the nurse's roles relevant to your current enrolled program, an exploration of the scope of practice within your intended state of practice, a comparison of the scope for LPNs and RNs based on the Nurse Practice Act, and a conclusion reflecting on how this knowledge supports your professional development. Support your discussion with at least two credible sources, properly cited in APA format. Ensure your writing is clear, structured, and free of grammatical errors, and include a Grammarly report with your submission.
Paper For Above instruction
The development of a professional identity in nursing is a dynamic and ongoing process that begins upon admission to a nursing program and evolves throughout a nurse's career. This transformation is shaped by education, practical experience, and reflective practice, leading to self-awareness, growth, and a commitment to human flourishing. Understanding the roles of nurses and the scope of practice is fundamental in shaping this identity, guiding ethical practice, and ensuring safe patient care (Larson et al., 2013).
Roles of the Nurse
The role of a nurse encompasses a broad spectrum of responsibilities that are essential in delivering quality healthcare. Nurses serve as patient advocates, educators, caregivers, and collaborators within multidisciplinary teams. They are responsible for assessing patient needs, administering treatments, monitoring patient progress, and advocating for patient rights and safety. In the context of my current nursing program, these roles also include developing clinical judgment, practicing evidence-based care, and adhering to ethical standards outlined by professional bodies (American Nurses Association [ANA], 2015). The nurse's role extends beyond direct patient care to involve health promotion, disease prevention, and community engagement, reflecting the holistic nature of nursing practice.
Scope of Practice for the Nurse
The scope of practice defines the boundaries within which nurses operate, shaped by legislations such as the Nurse Practice Act (NPA) specific to each state. It delineates the duties, responsibilities, and competencies that nurses are authorized to perform based on their licensure and education. For instance, registered nurses (RNs) are authorized to perform comprehensive assessments, develop care plans, administer medications, and delegate tasks to other healthcare team members, within their scope. Practical nurses or Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), meanwhile, typically perform basic nursing tasks under the supervision of RNs or physicians, such as carrying out routine treatments and monitoring vital signs (National Council of State Boards of Nursing [NCSBN], 2020). The scope ensures that nurses practice within their competencies, safeguarding patient safety and maintaining professional integrity.
Comparison and Contrast of the Scope of Practice for LPN and RN
The Nurse Practice Acts across states articulate distinct scopes of practice for LPNs and RNs, reflecting their differing levels of education and training. RNs usually complete a diploma, associate's, or bachelor's degree, enabling them to perform complex assessments and make clinical judgments independently. Their practice includes developing and modifying care plans, complex troubleshooting, and overseeing nursing assistants and LPNs (NCSBN, 2020). Conversely, LPNs have a more limited scope, often restricted to performing basic patient care tasks, such as measuring vital signs, providing daily hygiene, and assisting with activities of daily living under the supervision of RNs or physicians. They are generally not authorized to perform assessments, develop care plans, or administer certain medications independently (ANA, 2015).
This distinction highlights the hierarchical but collaborative nature of nursing care, where each role complements the other to optimize patient outcomes. While RNs possess autonomous practice rights within their scope, LPNs support patient care through delegated duties under supervision. Understanding these differences ensures effective team functioning and adherence to legal and ethical standards.
Conclusion
Reflecting on the exploration of nursing roles and scope of practice emphasizes the importance of clarity in professional boundaries and responsibilities. As I continue my nursing education, this knowledge will serve as a foundation for ethical decision-making, collaborative practice, and professional growth. Recognizing the specific scope of my role within the legal framework provided by the Nurse Practice Act will enable me to uphold high standards of care, advocate effectively for my patients, and develop my professional identity in alignment with the nursing profession’s values. Ultimately, this understanding supports my goal of becoming a competent, ethical, and collaborative nurse committed to lifelong learning and human flourishing.
References
- American Nurses Association (ANA). (2015). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice. ANA Enterprises.
- Larson, J., Brady, N., Engelmann, L., Perkins, B., & Shultz, C. (2013). The formation of professional identity in nursing. Nursing Education Perspectives, 34(2), 138.
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). (2020). Nurse practice acts: A comparison of state laws. NCSBN.
- State Boards of Nursing websites for specific state regulations and scope of practice details.
- American Nurses Association. (2015). Nursing: Scope and standards of practice. American Nurses Publishing.
- Additional scholarly articles on nursing roles and legal standards in practice.
- Latest editions of nursing textbooks on scope of practice and professional roles.
- Government publications and official state legislation documents.
- Academic journal articles discussing interprofessional collaboration in nursing.
- Rasmussen College Online Library resources on nursing law and ethics.