Roles of Nurses

RUNNING HEAD: Defining the Roles

Defining the Roles
Nicolle Durfee
Introduction to Leadership
Maria Rosario D. Gonzales
September 15, 2011

The American Nurses Association defines nursing as ‘‘the protection, promotion and optimization of health and abilities, prevention of illness and injury, alleviation of suffering through the diagnosis and treatment of human response, and advocacy in the care of individuals, families, communities and populations (Cox, & Werner, 2009).” The roles of employees throughout the hospital range with specific differences. These employees work together on their particular tasks to provide the patients with the upmost professional care. Each designation has a unique set of roles and responsibilities and work together to create a care team. The nursing team consists of a registered nurse, licensed vocational nurse, and a certified nursing assistant. The designation of a nurse will indicate the level of certification or licensure completed, level or patient care responsibility, salary range, and serve as a decent indicator of the level of experience a nurse has. “The nursing care supports a collaborative process that promotes comfort to patients and families experiencing life-limiting illness (Cox, & Werner, 2009).” The first job on the nursing team is the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). The position of CNA is often considered as a preliminary or entry level nursing job. This can be an immense way for students considering a career in nursing to get a sense for what types of functions a nurse performs. This position requires the supervision of a licensed vocational nurse and especially a registered nurse. To become a CNA, a student must only complete a chosen few classroom classes and then has to be certified. Roles of the CNA include observing patients, obtaining vital signs, changing bedding, washing patients, and preparing patients for procedures. The average pay for this position is twelve dollars an hour. The next job up on the totem pole is the Licensed vocational nurse (LVN). This position requires a two year program followed by a licensure. LVN’s are regulated by the State Board of Nursing. Individuals must finish an accredited LVN program followed by a background check and a test to become licensed. The amount of schooling ranges from one year in length to three years and the pay starts at sixteen dollars an hour. In this position, with more experience, pay will increase. “The LVNs assist the
RN by providing the necessary treatments, education, and documentation consistent with the plan of care. They are an important part of the interdisciplinary team and provide excellent information to the team that is ultimately responsible for the plan of care. The LVN participates in monitoring symptoms and changes and reports these changes to the RN in charge of the patient’s care. In essence, the RN is responsible for the act of assessment, and the LVN is responsible for observing, monitoring, and reporting his/her observations (Cox, & Werner, 2009).” The registered nurses (RNs) are the head of the nursing team. This position requires more schooling and more extensive knowledge. “The roles that the nurse assumes depends on his/her basic nursing preparation, specialized formal or informal education, and clinical experiences” (The Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates, 2006).” Registered nurses require a degree and the passing of a state board test called the NCLEX. RN’s are also regulated by the State Board of Nursing. This position is what most students want to eventually become. The reason behind this is because there is a drastic pay increase with this job title. Initial salaries can range from twenty-five to thirty dollars an hour and RNs with numerous years of experience can make as much as seventy-five thousand dollars a year. The increase in pay comes with an increase in responsibility that includes treating patients, operating difficult equipment, administering medication, and performing diagnostics. The main differences between RNs, is that they can administer intravenous medications, hang piggy back medications, start IV’s, analyze test results, and recommend procedures to the physician. Neither the licensed vocational nurse nor the certified nursing assistant can do these tasks. In conclusion, Nurses are an important part of the health care team. The roles of nursing vary among titles of the nursing team. Each title works together as one to provide excellent care to patients. References
Cox, S & Werner, B (2009). Value for the licensed practical/vocational nurse. Journal of Hospice and
Palliative Nursing, 11(2), 129-130. Retrieved from http://www.nursingcenter.com/pdf.asp?AID=852155
The Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates. (2006). Role delineation of the registered nurse.
Gastroenterology Nursing, 29(1), 62-63. Retrieved from http://www.nursingcenter.com/pdf.asp?AID=647762

References: Cox, S & Werner, B (2009). Value for the licensed practical/vocational nurse. Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing, 11(2), 129-130. Retrieved from http://www.nursingcenter.com/pdf.asp?AID=852155 The Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates. (2006). Role delineation of the registered nurse. Gastroenterology Nursing, 29(1), 62-63. Retrieved from http://www.nursingcenter.com/pdf.asp?AID=647762