Role of the Nurse and Scope of Practice

QUESTION

Prepare a two to three page written assignment that includes the following:

Content:

Introduction to the assignment (sections of the assignment; roles of the nurse, scope of practice, compare and contrast scope of practice)
Describe the roles of the nurse for the program you are currently enrolled
Identify the scope of practice for the nurse in the state where you intend to practice
Using the Nurse Practice Act for the state where you intend to practice, compare and contrast the scope of practice for the LPN and RN
Conclusion (reflect on the assignment including how you will use the scope of practice to support your role)
Use at least two credible resources to support your findings. For example, one of the resources could be the State Board of Nursing website, and another resource could be a textbook. These resources must be integrated into the body of your paper using at least two in-text citations. Be sure to use proper APA format and style.

Format:

Standard American English (correct grammar, punctuation, etc.)
Logical, original and insightful
Professional organization, style, and mechanics in APA format and style

ANSWER

Professional Identity of the Nurse: Role of the Nurse and Scope of Practice

Introduction

The paramount importance of nursing experts in providing top-notch care for patients is indisputable. Nursing professionals carry out a myriad of tasks and responsibilities in a variety of settings, which are governed by the standards and regulations of nursing practice. This article delves into the nursing profession’s roles and the scope of practice, contrasting the practice range for certified vocational nurses (CVNs) and registered nursing practitioners (RNPs) in California. Furthermore, the article accentuates the worth of grasping the extent of nursing practice to nurture the development of a professional persona.

Roles of the Nursing Professional for the Program in Which You are Currently

Enrolled As a nursing student, I am delving into the diverse roles of nursing professionals, encompassing evaluation, identification, implementation, and assessment of patients’ health conditions. The nursing program outlines the tasks of nursing experts, including devising and implementing care strategies, administering medication and treatments, observing patient progress, and collaborating with additional healthcare specialists. These tasks and responsibilities are crucial for delivering excellent care to patients, demanding the mastery of a variety of skills and competencies.

Contrasting the Scope of Practice for CVNs and RNPs in California

CVNs and RNPs have different levels of education and training, which affect their roles and accountabilities. The practice scope for CVNs is narrower compared to RNPs. CVNs are permitted to perform basic nursing duties, such as observing vital signs, dispensing medications, and providing fundamental patient care. Additionally, CVNs may assist RNPs in executing more complex nursing tasks, like attending to injuries and informing patients (Joyce-McCoach et al., 2023).

Conversely, RNs possess a more expansive practice scope, encompassing more intricate nursing tasks like devising and implementing care plans, administering medications and treatments, supervising patient progress, and conducting more invasive nursing procedures. RNs are also accountable for organizing patient care and collaborating with other healthcare practitioners to guarantee satisfactory patient outcomes. RNs have a superior level of education and preparation compared to LVNs, enabling them to undertake more complex nursing tasks.

Significance of Grasping the Nursing Practice Scope Comprehending the nursing practice scope is vital for cultivating a professional identity as a nurse. Nurses need to work within the confines of their specific roles to guarantee quality patient care and safety (Philippa et al., 2023). Recognizing the nursing practice scope also empowers nurses to champion their patients and themselves. Furthermore, grasping the nursing practice scope aids nurses in identifying professional development areas and pursuing opportunities to augment their abilities and proficiencies.

Importance of Understanding the Scope of Practice for Nursing

I have acquired a more profound understanding of the roles of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses (RNs) and the disparities in their practice scope. This knowledge will be invaluable as I progress through my nursing education and prepare for my future role as a nurse.

Recognizing the practice scope for LVNs and RNs will help me comprehend my own position within the healthcare team and the roles of my peers. It will also facilitate my understanding of the tasks and responsibilities I can undertake based on my education and training level.

Reflection on the assignment

My comprehension of the range of responsibilities will enable me to deliver secure and efficient care to patients. For instance, as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), I am aware of restrictions that prevent me from executing certain nursing tasks reserved for Registered Nurses (RNs), such as providing intravenous medications. Recognizing these boundaries enables me to cooperate effectively with fellow healthcare practitioners and guarantees optimal patient care.

In summary, grasping the range of responsibilities for LPNs and RNs is vital for nursing students and healthcare professionals. This understanding is crucial for offering secure and efficient care to patients and will form an integral part of my professional persona as a nurse.

Conclusion

In summation, this task has enriched my comprehension of the roles and responsibilities of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs). By examining and juxtaposing the range of responsibilities of LPNs and RNs, I have discovered that RNs possess a more extensive range due to their advanced education and training. Nevertheless, both categories of nurses hold significant positions within the healthcare system, working in tandem to deliver secure and efficient care to patients.

As a nursing student, this insight will be invaluable as I prepare for my impending role as a nurse. I will employ this understanding of the range of responsibilities to offer secure and efficient care to patients and collaborate effectively with other healthcare practitioners. Moreover, recognizing my personal limitations as a nursing professional will empower me to advocate for my patients’ needs and ensure that they obtain the finest care available. This undertaking has aided me in shaping my professional identity as a nursing expert. I have gained a deeper comprehension of the role I will assume within the healthcare team and the importance of teamwork and communication in delivering safe and effective patient care.

References

Joyce-McCoach, J., Ashworth, P., Park, S. A., Kellerman, T., & McKenna, L. (2023). Transition and pathway programs from second to first level nursing: A scoping review. Nurse Education Today, 105777. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0260691723000710

Philippa, R., Ann, H., Jacqueline, M., & Nicola, A. (2021). Professional identity in nursing: A mixed method research study. Nurse education in practice, 52, 103039. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1471595321000755