Essay Example on Comparing RN & LPN: Differences in Qualification & Duties

There are two different types of nurses who are Registered Nurse (RN) and the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Though there are certain similarities between the two categories, there are individual differences concerning the scope of the operation as well as qualification required in each. LPN is the most basic category of nursing. Compared to their counterparts in the RN, LPN needs a less formal program. Although they are expected to perform specific medical duties, their responsibilities are limited in particular responsibilities. As such, LPNs are expected to work under the supervisor of the RN though there are particular duties that they can conduct on their lone. The nursing practice board stipulates various responsibilities of LPN and RN. However, the scope of practice for each category of a nurse is specified by the individual nursing practice act. This essay will compare and contrast the role of RN/LPN about the Tennessee Nurse Practice Act.

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Though LPN and RN differ in their scope of practice, certain similarities are found in both. Both types of nurses are expected to meet various crucial nursing needs. They all care for people who are suffering from injuries, illness through providing practical and medical assistance to assist them in recovering quickly as possible (Shaffer, Kathy Johnson, & Guinn, 2016). RNs and LPNs alike carry out duties that prove physically and mentally demanding, such as serving patients dying or in pain.

However, there is a difference in that LPN and RN operate in different settings holding distinct responsibility levels and job duties. Candidates for each category is required to fulfill specified licensing requirements and separate education which result in different salaries and status. As stipulated by the Tennessee Nurse Practice Act (TNPA), LPNs may observe acute symptoms, examine patients, and assist in processes such as wound care and catheterization. LPNs are also allowed to administer drugs that are taken orally. However, as under (T.C.A. 63-6-204), LPNs are only allowed to deliver medicines to patients unless a qualified doctor prescribes such medication to a patient. LPNs are also entitled to issue contraceptives that are taken orally, excluding abortifacient and drugs relating to STIs (O'Keefe, 2015).

RNs' scope of operation, as stipulated by TCA, are numerous. Still, among them, the most crucial duty is to cater to the needs of their patients by ensuring that they receive a safe, secure, and comfortable environment. They receive the orders and notes given by the doctors and correctly executes them. RNs are in charge of performing an assessment to the patients and developing a care plan concerning their conditions. Providing immediate care is also another crucial role for the RNs (Corazzini et al., 2018). As such, the difference between RNs and LPN is that they play a leadership role and give direction to the LPNs.

There are specific roles that LPN/RN can practice as stipulated by the TCA. RNs are allowed to deliver medications in various ways as they are qualified. However, per (T.C.A. 63-7-127), LPNs are not allowed to administer medicines in a certain way, such as intrathecal, central lines, intravenous, and injections. However, there are some exceptions but with certain conditions. For example, LPNs are not allowed to administer intravenous push medications. However, some LPNs are allowed to deliver some specific intravenous push medications when prescribed by the authorized health practitioner and under the supervision of a qualified RN. As it may, for LPN to be allowed to perform certain intravenous push medications, certain conditions must be fulfilled under (T.C.A. 63-7-108). It states that LPN can administer certain intravenous push medications if he/she has at least six-month experience and a licensed nurse, has completed a course of study development from Infusion Society Standard, or has completed intravenous therapy training successfully (O'Keefe, 2015).

Since the RN are expected to take the leadership role, they are responsible for delegating duties to the LPN and also supervising them in specific processes. An excellent example of how RNs delegate to the LPN is when RN delegate to LPN to administer a particular medication using a specific procedure. In the delegation process, the aspect of authority, accountability, and responsibility comes in. However, there is a difference in all these aspects. In the case of RNs, they have the power to delegate duties to the LPNs. Nevertheless, as much as the LPNs will be responsible for conducting these duties as expected, the accountability falls on the hands of RNs in ensuring that LPN operates as expected (Shaffer et al., 2016).

Both RNs and LPNs are endowed with a similar role in ensuring the wellbeing of patients. However, some differences occur due to their scope of operation, qualifications, and status. RNs are more qualified than LPNs, and hence they take leadership roles. Nevertheless, all nurses should abide by the regulations outlined in TCA. This allows them to operate together effectively.

References

Corazzini, K. N., Anderson, R. A., Mueller, C., McConnell, E. S., Landerman, L. R., Thorpe, J. M., & Short, N. M. (2018). Regulation of LPN scope of practice in long-term care. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 2(2), 30-36.

O'Keefe, C. (2015). State laws and regulations specific to dialysis: An overview. Nephrology Nursing Journal, 32(1), 31-40.

Shaffer, L. M., Kathy Johnson, B., & Guinn, C. (2016). Remedying role confusion: Differentiating RN and LPN roles. American Nurse Today, 5(3), 61-63.