Scope of Practice

Defining the Concept: What is 'Scope of Practice'

The nursing profession comes with several terms and terminologies that may seem daunting at first.

The Importance of a Clear Nursing Scope of Practice

Having a clear understanding of your nursing Scope of Practice is essential. It defines your roles and responsibilities, impacts patient safety, and protects you from potential legal issues. Additionally, this knowledge helps you maintain a professional mindset, contributing to the overall quality of healthcare delivery.

'Scope of Practice' vs 'Nursing Professional Boundaries'

While the 'Scope of Practice' and 'Nursing Professional Boundaries' may sometimes be used interchangeably, they're not the same.

In simple terms, while the Scope of Practice defines what a nurse can and should do, 'Nursing Professional Boundaries' define how those actions should be carried out.

Key Nursing Responsibilities and Duties within the Scope of Practice

Nursing responsibilities are extensive, and they encompass several duties within the scope of practice. Here's a brief overview of some key roles, depending on your position and specialization:

• Providing patient care and carrying out medical procedures
• Administering medications
• Collaborating with different members of the healthcare team
• Educating patients and families about health management

Critical Elements of Nursing Scope and Standards of Practice

Certain critical elements shape and inform the nursing Scope and Standards of Practice. These include the following:

Reports such as these not only help develop a richer understanding of the nursing Scope of Practice but also illustrate how it can vary depending on the context, location, and level of education.

Differences Between LPN and RN Scope of Practice

In the nursing realm, two of the most common professional roles are the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and the Registered Nurse (RN). Both roles are vital for the functioning of the healthcare sector, but their scopes of practice differ significantly.

LPN Scope of Practice: Key Responsibilities and Boundaries

A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides basic nursing care under the supervision of an RN or a doctor. LPNs are instrumental in healthcare delivery but their scope of practice is more limited compared to an RN.

This role requires sufficient training, which includes a state-approved practical nursing program and passing a licensing examination. Some of the distinctive LPN responsibilities are:

• Assisting with bathing and dressing patients
• Feeding patients and recording their food intake
• Monitoring patients and reporting changes to RN or doctor
• Collecting samples for testing

How RN Scope of Practice Differs from LPN Scope of Practice

A Registered Nurse (RN) has an expanded scope of practice compared to an LPN, requiring at least an associate's degree in nursing (ADN), although many RNs hold a bachelor's degree.

Registered Nurses are also required to pass a national licensing examination to ensure they have the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe, effective patient care. Some of their primary responsibilities are:

• Administering medications and treatments
• Operating and monitoring medical equipment
• Ordering and evaluating diagnostic tests
• Assisting with patient rehabilitation and follow-up

Both LPN and RN play crucial roles in healthcare and understanding their distinct scope of practice not only helps streamline operations but also significantly impacts patient care quality.

Evaluating the Nurse Practitioner Scope of Practice

Nurse practitioners (NPs) represent an important element of the healthcare system, providing primary and specialty care services in a variety of settings. The role offers more autonomy compared to that of RNs, allowing these healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat conditions, prescribe medication, and manage patient care.

Unique Aspects of Registered Nurse Scope of Practice

A Registered Nurse's scope of practice differs from that of an NP, primarily due to the depth of expertise and the nature of the training they receive.

RNs work in a variety of healthcare environments, from hospitals to home health care, managing and implementing patient care plans, and coordinating with other healthcare professionals. They are emotional support pillars and educators for patients and their families.

Major Roles within the Registered Nurse Scope of Practice

RNs have several key roles within their scope of practice to ensure a high standard of patient care.

• Care plan development: RNs work closely with patients and healthcare teams to develop individualised care plans.
• Patient education: They play an essential role in teaching patients about their conditions and treatments.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration: RNs collaborate with a variety of healthcare professionals to coordinate and manage patient care.
• Clinical decision making: Based on their assessments, RNs make crucial decisions about the needed care.

Advancements and Evolution in Nursing Scope of Practice and Professional Boundaries

Over the years, significant advancements and evolution have occurred in the nursing Scope of Practice and professional boundaries. This evolution has been mainly attributed to several factors, including changes in legislation, technological advancements, patient needs, healthcare policies, and nursing education advancements.

Technological advancements have had a revolutionary impact on the nursing profession. For example, telemedicine has extended the reach of nurses, enabling them to deliver services to patients in geographically isolated areas.

Through all advancements and evolutions, maintaining nursing's professional boundaries is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of patients. The continuous review and update of these boundaries are essential to reflect evidence-based practice, technological changes, and patient care needs.