For this discussion, consider the role of the LPN and the RN in the nursing process. How would the LPN and RN collaborate to develop the nursing plan of care to ensure the patient is achieving their goal? What are the role expectations for the LPN and RN in the nursing process?
The role of both the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and the Registered Nurse (RN) in the nursing process is essential for providing comprehensive and effective patient care. Collaboratively, LPNs and RNs work together to develop a nursing plan of care to ensure that patients are achieving their goals. Each healthcare professional has specific role expectations within the nursing process, which collectively contribute to the overall well-being of the patient.
To begin, it is important to understand the distinct responsibilities and qualifications of LPNs and RNs. LPNs are licensed healthcare professionals who have completed a practical nursing program and passed a national licensing examination. They primarily provide basic nursing care, such as administering medications, monitoring vital signs, and assisting with daily activities. On the other hand, RNs are registered healthcare professionals who have obtained a nursing degree and passed the national licensing examination. They have a more comprehensive scope of practice, including assessing patients, developing care plans, administering medications, and overseeing the overall coordination of patient care.
Collaboration between LPNs and RNs starts with the assessment phase of the nursing process. RNs typically take the lead in conducting a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s health status, including gathering information related to the patient’s medical history, physical examination findings, and laboratory results. LPNs can contribute to the assessment process by collecting data such as vital signs, observations of the patient’s condition, and patient histories focused on specific areas of care. By working together, LPNs and RNs ensure that all relevant information is collected and analyzed, forming the foundation of the nursing plan of care.
Subsequent to the assessment, LPNs and RNs work collaboratively to identify patient problems and formulate the nursing diagnoses. RNs, with their advanced knowledge and critical thinking skills, typically play a lead role in accurately identifying and prioritizing the patient’s nursing diagnoses. However, LPNs can actively participate in this step by providing additional observations and insights based on their ongoing interactions with the patient. The collaborative efforts in this stage allow for a comprehensive and holistic understanding of the patient’s needs and ensure that no significant details are overlooked.
Once the nursing diagnoses are established, LPNs and RNs collaborate to develop the nursing plan of care. RNs, drawing upon their expert knowledge, skills, and regulatory authority, typically take the lead in developing the plan. They determine the appropriate interventions, such as medications, treatments, and patient education, that align with the identified nursing diagnoses. However, LPNs also contribute by providing input on the interventions they are qualified and competent to perform. Furthermore, LPNs play a vital role in ensuring the continuity of care by implementing and evaluating the interventions, monitoring patient responses, and reporting any changes to the RN.
In the implementation phase, LPNs and RNs work together to execute the planned interventions. This collaboration involves effective communication, delegation, and supervision. RNs are responsible for delegating tasks to LPNs within their scope of practice, ensuring that LPNs have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the delegated tasks safely and effectively. LPNs, on the other hand, have a professional obligation to communicate any concerns or limitations they may encounter during the implementation process to the RN. Additionally, LPNs can collaborate with other members of the healthcare team, such as nursing assistants and allied health professionals, to provide comprehensive care to the patient.
Evaluation of the nursing plan of care is a continuous process that requires collaboration between LPNs and RNs. Both LPNs and RNs assess and document the patient’s response to the implemented interventions, evaluate the progress towards achieving the established goals, and modify the plan of care as necessary. RNs take the lead in interpreting and analyzing the data collected, making clinical judgments, and determining the appropriate adjustments to the nursing plan. LPNs contribute to the evaluation process by providing their assessment findings, observations, and feedback regarding the patient’s response to care. Through collaboration in the evaluation phase, LPNs and RNs work together to ensure that the patient’s goals are being achieved and that the care plan is effective and individualized.