Registered nurses (RN) plays a vital role in promoting health and general wellness and often help to improve the quality of life in society. It is vital to determine the scope of practice for registered nurses and offer a comprehensive overview of their job description owing to their significance in the healthcare environment. It is also important to compare the role of an RN nurse with other nursing professionals. Consequently, the study will focus on the roles and scope of practice for a registered nurse in California and compare the scope of practice for a registered nurse with those of a licensed practical nurse.
Roles of the Nurse
A registered nurse is not limited to working in the hospital setting. An RN can work in assisted facilities, schools, clinics, and more. The job descriptions of a registered nurse will vary depending on the environment he/she is in and their area of expertise (Malvik, 2018). A registered nurse is expected to assess patients and to conduct diagnosis and record patient behavior. An RN is also expected to develop a care plan in collaboration with a patient to ensure the care service provides for the patient’s protection, safety, hygiene, and comfort (California Board of Registered Nursing, n.d.). A Registered nurse is also expected to rapidly process and apply scientific knowledge in order to organize, delegate, and oversee the delivery of timely and safe care. An RN is also required to carry out the requisite medications and treatments.
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Scope of Practice
Focusing on the scope of practice for a registered nurse will help to describe their occupational function. Scope of practice refers to a set group of procedures and services a registered nurse is qualified to perform (Malvik, 2018). The California Board of Registered Nursing determines the scope of practice. An RN's occupational functions can be divided into three categories: interdependent, dependent, and independent functions. An RN's independent functions stem from patient care services that helps protect the personal hygiene, comfort, and safety of clients (Board of Registered Nursing, 2011). Dependent functions refer to those that touch on patient care services. They include the administration of therapeutic agents and medications required to implement a rehabilitative or disease prevention regimen. Finally, interdependent functions authorize a registered nurse to execute appropriate standardized procedures when offering care services to patients.
Compare and Contrast the Scope of Practice
The scope of practice among nurses typically differs depending on their expertise. A licensed practical nurse (LPN) acts as an assistant to registered nurses and physicians. They typically perform basic duties in healthcare settings. There are some similarities between the scope of practice for a licensed practical nurse and a registered nurse. An LPN and RN work directly with patients. Both are charged with the well-being and care of their patients. Licensed practical nurses and registered nurses can also work in different healthcare environments (Charter College, 2020). There are also significant dissimilarities in the scope of practice for a licensed practical nurse and that of a registered nurse. An LPN is tasked with delivering basic hygiene and nursing care (such as the measurement of blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and temperature). They are also tasked with basic assessments (such as documentation of data) (Shasta College, 2020). On the other hand, an RN is tasked with diagnosing and administering medication, developing a care plan in collaboration with a patient, and analyzing and applying scientific competencies to organize, delegate, and oversee the delivery of suitable and safe care.
Conclusion
The study offers a comprehensive overview of the scope of practice for an RN. This has helped describe the procedures and services a registered nurse is qualified to perform within a specific jurisdiction. Additionally, it presents a job description of the roles of an RN. This offers a summary of the essential activities, responsibilities, skills, and qualifications for the profession. The comparison between the scope of practice for a licensed practical nurse and a registered nurse offers insight into the professions' occupational functions.
References
Board of Registered Nursing. (2011). An Explanation of the Scope of RN Practice Including Standardized Procedures . https://www.rn.ca.gov/pdfs/regulations/npr-b-03.pdf
California Board of Registered Nursing. (n.d.). Understanding the Role of the Registered Nurse and Interim Permittee According to the Nursing Practice Act, the California Code of Regulations, and Selected Sections of Title XXII . https://www.rn.ca.gov/pdfs/regulations/npr-b-53.pdf
Charter College. (2020). The Differences and Similarities between LPNs and RNs . https://www.chartercollege.edu/news-hub/differences-and-similarities-between-lpns-and-rns
Malvik, C. (2018). What Does a Registered Nurse Do? (Understanding Their Impact) . Rasmussen College, https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/nursing/blog/what-does-a-registered-nurse-do/
Shasta College. (2020). Vocational Nursing (LVN) Current Practice & Scope of Practice . http://www.shastacollege.edu/Academic%20Affairs/HSUP/VOCN/Pages/7781.aspx
