RN's and Lpn's: Similarities and Differences Essay

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RN vs. LPN

NURSE PRACTICE ACT

Differences in Scope of Practice for RN and LPN

The Nurse Practice Act

Definitions and Practice Differences

Statute 65-1113 of this document defines a registered or professional nurse or RN as one possessing a license to practice professional nursing for free or for pay (KSBN, 2014). She has acquired substantial specialized knowledge in the biological, physical and behavioral sciences for the care, diagnosis, treatment, counsel and education of those in their care. Care covers treatment or prevention of disordered conditions or the administration of a medical plan by a licensed health professional (KSBN). Her duties are often expansive, including the ability to perform critical thinking at work, often in hospitals (Nursing Licensure, 2014).

The statute also defines a licensed practical nurse or LPN as one who is licensed to practice practical nursing. Her assigned tasks and responsibilities are determined by acceptable or established educational preparation for supportive and restorative care. She receives direction from an RN (KSBN). She reports all the details of her work, even minor changes, to an RN or another medical professional (Nursing Licensure).

RNs execute highly skilled patient care activities (SL Page, 2013). They do not only treat patients. They also educate them on their illnesses and overall medical conditions. They extend skilled emotional support to patients and their families. RNs likewise provide patients and their families with useful tips on care. RNs at times also operate heavy medical machinery and complicated medical equipment and tools. In addition, they perform diagnoses, analyze test results, observe patient health status, implement treatments and therapies, record their histories and progress, and keep intravenous lines.

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Over and above, they consult with doctors and clinicians, supervise nursing aides and licensed practical nurses and perform any specialized care for which they may have been trained (SL Page).

LPNs perform less skilled care and can only provide it under the direct supervision of doctors and RNs (SLPage, 2014). They are allowed to perform only basic bedside care, such as dressing, feeding, moving, comforting and bathing patients. They cannot work without supervision (SLPage).

Differences in Educational Preparation

Statute 65-1115 states that an RN is a graduate of professional nursing from an accredited school in the United States, its territories or an approved foreign country (KSBN, 2014). Her qualifications are not inconsistent o conflict with this Act. Statute 65-116 states that an LPN is a graduate of professional or practical nursing from an accredited school in the United States, any of its territories, or an approved foreign country. Similarly, her qualifications are in conflict with this Act. She also possesses a license issued by the Board (KSBN).

RNs have completed a minimum of a two-year degree or a three-year diploma (Nursing Licensure, 2012). Some of them complete an associate degree in nursing at a junior or technical college. Graduates of an associate or bachelors degree may apply as RN. An RN program usually consists of mental health nursing, health promotion, nursing pharmacology, maternity nursing, nursing management, and medical surgical nursing. RNs are passers of the NCLEX-RN test (SL Page, 2013;….....

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