LPNs Perform the Role of Providing Basic Nursing Care - Essay Example

It should be kept in mind that differences between the roles of LPNs and RNs are prominent and it appears that it is the aspect of ‘responsibility’ that makes the RN superior to the LPN.
LPNs perform the role of providing basic nursing care to their patients. This mainly involves monitoring of patient’s health, providing basic care like inserting catheters or changing bandages, etc., and discussing and reporting patients’ health concerns to RNs or doctors. RNs on the other hand perform enhanced functions like recording patients’ symptoms and medical histories, setting up care plans for patients, assisting in performing diagnostic tests and administering medications, and educating patients and their families. Additionally, they have the responsibility to arrange consultations with doctors and also with professionals of other disciplines in a given health care setup.
The transition from the role of LPN to RN demands that a better understanding of the ‘family as a unit’ is developed. With the improvement in health care delivery services, the role of the family in the overall process of care continues to play a critical role (Duncan & DePew, 2011). A registered nurse is therefore expected to take into account the function of the family to get an insight into the health status of her patient.
Since the focus of the job shifts from mere reporting to the analysis of clinical situations, the professional role of RN is attributed to the development of more enhanced analytical skills. The habit of thinking critically, to derive useful results from clinical information is essential if the role of an RN is to be performed effectively.
Strategies and Suggestions for the Transiting LPN
It should be understood that transition is divided into three distinct phases: endings, neutral zone, and beginnings (Harrington & Terry, 2009). For a transition to begin, it is essential that the connection with a previously ongoing process be brought to an end; this may equate to separation from a previously established social condition, losing older identity, disenchantment, and disorientation. This follows a condition when the person in transition is ‘in limbo’; this allows renewal and recharging. The last stage is the ‘beginning’ in fact; the beginning of a new path. A transiting LPN should therefore be prepared to undergo these phases and in doing so make every effort to ensure that the process is smooth and according to the expectations that are set at the start.
Since there is a huge difference between the roles of LPN and RN, the transition from LPN to RN can be a challenging process for everyone who intends to undergo this change. The primary difference between the two is related to the ‘level of responsibility; RNs are directly responsible for the health of patients that are under their care. LPNs who are vocationally educated find it difficult to adjust to the comparably more demanding professional role of an RN (Melrose, Miller, Gordon, & Janzen, 2012). For this reason, the primary thing to understand for an LPN is that during this transition, the learner has to prepare himself to accept the responsibilities that are associated with being an RN. Understanding this will prepare the nurse for the upcoming challenges.
Conclusion
From the above discussion, it can be concluded that the difference in roles of LPN and RN are significant and it is important for the transiting LPNs to understand in advance what lies ahead in their professional career.
The need to understand the role differences that exist between the LPNs and RNs should also be emphasized; this will prevent the LPNs from setting false expectations when going through the process of career planning. Lastly, it is important to understand that transition from LPN to RN may be emotionally draining for many, in addition, to being resource-consuming. Read More