The Difference Between an LPN and RN

Difference between an LPN and RN

Presented to Professor Anthony
Transition to Nursing

By: Lee Rittner
April 21, 2012

Difference between an LPN and RN

ABSTRACT

It takes a lot of courage to let go of what is known, familiar, and comfortable. Change is a driving force in everyone. Like a butterfly, individuals in the nursing field may go through similar stages of metamorphosis, which is a process of growth, change, and development, (Wikipedia Foundation, 2006). Nurses have a vast amount of opportunity for growth and change in the healthcare field. “ The nursing profession has often been viewed as target of change rather than a force that proposes, leads, and implements change”(Habel,2005). Many individuals are choosing to evolve and expand their careers and obtain their bachelor’s degree in nursing. While the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) performs much of the same skills, the student professional nurse must refine his or her skills in clinical judgment, collaboration, leadership, and delegation to effectively care for their patients as a professional nurse. The many comparisons and contrasts to the role of a Registered Nurse (RN) to an LPN can vary by their credentials. However, there are differences and similarities in pay, education, training, abilities, and their qualifications that are required for them to practice safely, and legally. While it is true that both are ultimately charged with providing quality patient care, the differences are vast and the careers of the two are usually very different. When comparing the differences in opportunities between a RN and LPN, one must first understand the abilities and skills sets of each. This paper will highlight some of the differences between and LPN and RN.

Difference between an LPN and RN

According to the Florida Nurse Practice Act, a "Registered Nurse" means any person licensed in this state to practice professional nursing and a "Licensed Practical Nurse" means any person licensed in this state to practice practical nursing.

"Practice of professional nursing" means the performance of those acts requiring substantial specialized knowledge, judgment, and nursing skill based upon applied principles of psychological, biological, physical, and social sciences which shall include, but not be limited to the observation, assessment, nursing diagnosis, planning, intervention, and evaluation of care; health teaching and counseling of the ill, injured, or infirm; and the promotion of wellness, maintenance of health, and prevention of illness of others. The administration of medications and treatments as prescribed or authorized by a duly licensed practitioner authorized by the laws of this state to prescribe such medications and treatments. The supervision and teaching of other personnel in the theory and performance of any of the above acts.

"Practice of practical nursing" means the performance of selected acts, including the administration of treatments and medications, in the care of the ill, injured, or infirm and the promotion of wellness, maintenance of health, and prevention of illness of others under the direction of a registered nurse, a licensed physician, a licensed osteopathic physician, a licensed podiatric physician, or a licensed dentist. The professional nurse and the practical nurse shall be responsible and accountable for making decisions that are based upon the individual 's educational preparation and experience in nursing.

As an LPN, in the setting where I work, I must admit that some of my roles differ significantly from that of an RN for example there are some medications that I have to administer under the direction of an RN such as IV pushes also it is not within my scope to do an initial admission assessment, whereas the RN is allowed to do those duties. An Rn can make a decision that a client will require a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC line) for the administration of fluids and/or medications and so can call a doctor for such an order.

Thinking about the positive role models around me, I have to admit that the person I admire most is Florence Nightingale, who has been a pioneer in nursing. Her lasting contribution has been her role in founding the modern nursing profession, which has opened the doors of nursing for me. She has set an example of compassion, commitment to patient care, and diligent and thoughtful hospital administration, which I have been using and will always be apart of who I am, not only as a nurse but as a person. I endeavor just as Nightingale to leave an indelible mark in the field of nursing. My personal philosophy of nursing is that one must contemplate the qualities of the endeavors to which a nurse obligates their heart and soul to. A nurse commits to being the embodiment of altruism, charisma, empathy, and knowledge applied to the enterprise of protection, promotion, and enhancement of the holistic health states of all persons. This includes, and is not limited to a nurse’s practice in the professional arena, but also a nurse takes this way of thinking outside the workplace to uphold these ideals. So too should nurses reflect on their own knowledge base and strive to be always yearning for new experiences and understanding to elevate the level of professionalism inherent in their application of nursing. Furthermore, I believe nurses are obligated to their fellow professionals, as an integral part of the health care team, to aid and improve the ability of their peers. This collegiality is essential to the upkeep of the trusted image a nurse has among their colleagues and the public. Additionally, this allows for greater cohesion between health care workers and provides the patients with requisite care that espouses the statement of nursing above. Finally, a nurse must always remember to whom they are ultimately accountable; their patient. This accountability is first and foremost in upholding the principles a nurse represents. A nurse should constantly be asking themselves whether or not the care they are providing is exceeding the expectations of their patients and bestowing health advancement to preserve the patient’s health integrity. Moreover, a nurse must remain vigilant of the duty to themselves in the same regard by being able to self-evaluate: “Am I providing the exceptional, empathic, and optimal holistic care that my patient deserves and that I can be proud of?”

Difference between an LPN and RN
REFERENCES

http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/nursing/info_practiceAct.pdf

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence_Nightingale#Nursing

(Wikipedia Foundation, 2006)

References: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/nursing/info_practiceAct.pdf http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence_Nightingale#Nursing (Wikipedia Foundation, 2006)