Nursing

Review the scope of practice for an RN and an LPN. Compare/contrast the scope of practice for these two professions for the state of Alabama.

ANSWER

Scope of Practice for an RN and an LPN

Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses have many similar duties, but sometimes their roles in the healthcare sector often differ depending on where they work. In all situations, RNs often have more responsibility than LPNs (Mueller et al., 2018). In nursing care facilities, LPNs serve as assistants to RNs, and on most occasions, LPNs work under the management of RNs and physicians to perform basic care such as taking the vital signs of patients, preparing meals, and helping with things such as bath time.

In a State such as Alabama, the RNs are given the responsibility of caring for and counseling patients. RNs can also provide supportive care, exercise appropriate nursing judgment, and be involved in promoting health and prevention of illness and injury (Alabama Board of Nursing). RNs in Alabama can also conduct and document comprehensive, focused assessments, including evaluating patient care, executing medical regimens depending on the approved medical protocols, and documentation of nursing intervention and responses to care accurately and thoroughly.

LPNs, on the other hand, are allowed to develop acts designed to promote and maintain, work towards the prevention of illnesses and injury, exercise appropriate nursing judgment conduct and document focused nursing assessments, and collect and document data elements of a comprehensive assessment (Alabama Board of Nursing). LPNs are also supposed to show the knowledge skills and the ability to manage risks and potential complications. The scope of nursing of LPNs and RNs is different in the State of Alabama as RNs have different roles. Although it is a level above nursing assistant, LPN is the most basic nursing license. It is the entry-level into nursing, and they work under the RNs.

References

Alabama Board of Nursing. Standards of Nursing Practice. http://www.alabamaadministrativecode.state.al.us/docs/nurs/610-X-6.pdf

Mueller, C., Duan, Y., Vogelsmeier, A., Anderson, R., McConnell, E., & Corazzini, K. (2018). Interchangeability of licensed nurses in nursing homes: Perspectives of directors of nursing. Nursing outlook, 66(6), 560-569.