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LPN To RN Role Transition

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LPN to RN Role Transition:
Differences and Strategies for Success
Taylor Birleffi
Indiana State University

LPN to RN Role Transition: Differences and Strategies for Success The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN/LVN) role has involved certain role expectations and behaviors that are similar to the nursing roles of the Registered Nurse (RN). Although many may recognize the similar roles these two nurses have, there are various differences that exist between the two particularly those trained at the Baccalaureate level. These role differences are demonstrated through written regulations, knowledge base and practice roles, and the skills and abilities of both professional roles. Both the LPN and RN have regulations at the state level …show more content…
The National League of Nurses (NLN) defines the roles of LPN as the care provider and member of the discipline of nursing. The four phases that are outlined of the nursing process for the LPN include: assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. Also as a discipline of nursing, adherence to the nursing’s code of ethics and functioning as a health care advocate are important roles for the LPN. The RN uses the same nursing processing however adding an additional step, it consists of assessment, diagnosis, planning, implement, and evaluate. The NLN defines the roles of RN as the provider of care, manager of care, and member of the discipline. According to Melrose, Miller, Gordon, and Jansen (2012) LPNs are socialized to “collect client data and decide who needs to be informed” while RNs are socialized to “synthesize client data and make independent …show more content…
In conclusion, I have discussed three major role differences between an LPN and RN. The regulations based off of the nursing practice acts, the nursing process of both LPN and RN and the licensure examination test plans all seem to coincide with each other and carry out the roles successfully. The more assertiveness and responsibility taken for the academic effort of the LPN when transitioning to the role of the Baccalaureate prepared RN, the more comfortable it will be to transition into the role of the

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