Question

Review the Nurse Practice Act on your State Board of Nursing website and determine:

1. What are the roles of the LPN/LVN in your state?
2. What are the roles of the RN in your state?
3. Does your Nurse Practice Act define the LPN/LVN and RN? If so, what is the official definition?
4. In what ways does the role of the LPN/LVN differ from the role of the RN?

Answer 1

The role of LPN ( Licensed practical nurse ) is to plan and manage patient care as per the needs of the patient. Obtain patients family , social and medical history and recording it . Vital signs are also recorded by them .

The role of LVN ( Licensed vocational nurse) is to provide basic health care to the patient . They handle all medical procedures under the supervision of registered nurse and doctors . Administration of medication also done by LVN .

The role of RN (Registered  Nurse ) is same as nurse manager. They have the right to communicate with other health care providers, administering medications, monitoring patients, educating family and patients, managing medical records , assisting doctors during surgeries.

The LPN are responsible to report minor changes in the health of a patient to registered nurse or other health care professionals.LPN work under the supervision of RN and other health care professionals. LPN perform some medical duties but they are not given responsibility like RN . LPN handle patient care which does not require complex treatment, Registered Nurse is one who handle all medical procedures such as wound dressing and care etc . LPN /LVN and RN all have their own responsibility and duties to ensure a better health of the patient.