Nursing was not considered a practical job for a young lady. Taking care of the sick, poor, and dying was thought of as a dirty job. Until Florence Nightingale came along and started the modern nursing program. Historically, nursing has had many changes, from the role nurses played. One change is the gradual increase in the required knowledge base and the licensing to practice nursing. Unlike the past where there was little to no training and no supervision, today nursing has changed to be required to learn valuable skills as a student and train in school before taking state boards and becoming a LPN/LVN. Once you are a LPN/LVN you are allowed to preform nursing skills but you are supervised by an RN.
“In 1944 the practical nursing duties are outlined by the U.S. Department of Vocational Education. Such phrases like “to judge,” “to appraise,” “to recognize,” and “to determine” were often used to describe the scope of the practical nurse’s job.” Later in the 1950’s the Joint Committee decided to change the requirements for the LPN/LVN and RN programs by making the schooling longer for RN’s. Because of the longer schooling the RN’s are expected to be able to function independently in all five steps of the nursing process including the nursing diagnosis. The LPN can assist and support in the steps of the nursing process which include Data Collection, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation, and the Nursing diagnosis (RN responsibility). Once the RN has made a nursing diagnosis, it is responsible for the LPN/LVN to reinforce that diagnosis and to follow that course of treatment. Before the RN makes a nursing diagnosis, the LPN helps the RN to collect and group data in a logical order. Be careful though as a barrier it is illegal for the LPN/LVN to write the plan and for the RN initial it. There are many different areas the LPN can practice in such as; nursing homes, doctor’s offices, rehab facilities, prisons, and specialty clinics. Depending on where you go will determine what scope of practice the LPN can do and the role the RN plays. It is important to know what the role of the LPN is in the facility, this was you know what is expected of you. For example, in a nursing home you may function as a charge nurse and be responsible for patient care and delegation. Whereas in an office you may have more secretarial work to do. In a 2013 study, the majority of newly licensed LPN/LVN reported having administrative responsibilities as much as 43.4%. (NCSBN) My role as an LPN As an LPN I will learn to grow into role and learn my scope of practice. I know that as an LPN I can perform parts of the nursing process. I know that I must be managed by an RN. As an LPN I can take certain classes to improve my role such as IV therapy, or certain specialties like wound care. I must be able to delegate and to use critical thinking on the job. I have to be able to understand my role and what is expected of me. Since delegation is one of the parts of the LPN. I must understand what I can and cannot delegate. LPNs need to be aware of the specific job training that the CNAs have …show more content…
The demand for more LPNs will rise as the baby boomer generation (about 20% of the total US population) begins to retire. As a result the demand for more nurses will increase. Because of this it will put a strain on the nursing profession. The role of the LPN is going to grow and be cost efficient to the health care fields.
In conclusion, as an LPN I must understand my scope of practice and the nursing practice act in each state I may carry a license. Remembering that advocating for my patient is one of the most important barriers to overcome. Being able to stand up for your patient is going to be one of the hardest things I think I will do. It is important for me to understand that while there may be barriers my main focus is the care of my patient(s). Being a nurse whether an LPN or RN is a journey in itself one that I can’t wait to start.
Barriers to the Scope of Practice and my Role as an
“In 1944 the practical nursing duties are outlined by the U.S. Department of Vocational Education. Such phrases like “to judge,” “to appraise,” “to recognize,” and “to determine” were often used to describe the scope of the practical nurse’s job.” Later in the 1950’s the Joint Committee decided to change the requirements for the LPN/LVN and RN programs by making the schooling longer for RN’s. Because of the longer schooling the RN’s are expected to be able to function independently in all five steps of the nursing process including the nursing diagnosis. The LPN can assist and support in the steps of the nursing process which include Data Collection, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation, and the Nursing diagnosis (RN responsibility). Once the RN has made a nursing diagnosis, it is responsible for the LPN/LVN to reinforce that diagnosis and to follow that course of treatment. Before the RN makes a nursing diagnosis, the LPN helps the RN to collect and group data in a logical order. Be careful though as a barrier it is illegal for the LPN/LVN to write the plan and for the RN initial it. There are many different areas the LPN can practice in such as; nursing homes, doctor’s offices, rehab facilities, prisons, and specialty clinics. Depending on where you go will determine what scope of practice the LPN can do and the role the RN plays. It is important to know what the role of the LPN is in the facility, this was you know what is expected of you. For example, in a nursing home you may function as a charge nurse and be responsible for patient care and delegation. Whereas in an office you may have more secretarial work to do. In a 2013 study, the majority of newly licensed LPN/LVN reported having administrative responsibilities as much as 43.4%. (NCSBN) My role as an LPN As an LPN I will learn to grow into role and learn my scope of practice. I know that as an LPN I can perform parts of the nursing process. I know that I must be managed by an RN. As an LPN I can take certain classes to improve my role such as IV therapy, or certain specialties like wound care. I must be able to delegate and to use critical thinking on the job. I have to be able to understand my role and what is expected of me. Since delegation is one of the parts of the LPN. I must understand what I can and cannot delegate. LPNs need to be aware of the specific job training that the CNAs have …show more content…
The demand for more LPNs will rise as the baby boomer generation (about 20% of the total US population) begins to retire. As a result the demand for more nurses will increase. Because of this it will put a strain on the nursing profession. The role of the LPN is going to grow and be cost efficient to the health care fields.
In conclusion, as an LPN I must understand my scope of practice and the nursing practice act in each state I may carry a license. Remembering that advocating for my patient is one of the most important barriers to overcome. Being able to stand up for your patient is going to be one of the hardest things I think I will do. It is important for me to understand that while there may be barriers my main focus is the care of my patient(s). Being a nurse whether an LPN or RN is a journey in itself one that I can’t wait to start.
Barriers to the Scope of Practice and my Role as an