Abstract This paper explains that the registered nurse RN acts as the guide and definer of a patent's treatment, in absence of the physician; whereas, the licensed practical nurse LPN assists the registered nurse in observing the patient and administering the treatment under the supervision of the registered nurse. The author points out that, unlike the LPN, the RN is registered with a professional organization and must obey the organization's ethical codes and legal strictures and must maintain certain levels of competency to comply with evolving standards. The paper relates that the RN has a unique responsibility to manage a patient's long-term treatment; thus, unlike an LPN, an RN can act as a director and a decision-maker in the home healthcare environment as well as an observer, advisor and caregiver.
From the Paper "The RN can aid the physican in the diagnosis of the patient, remit specific orders about how the patient's treatment, medication, and care ought to progress according to the goals set at the onset of the treatment, and make decisions regarding patient care that alters such goals and treatment, provided these decisions are vetted by the physican responsible for the patient in the home healthcare setting. The RN can manage the care given by other nurses, such as the LPN and RNs possessing less seniority and advanced expertise and education in the caregiving setting."
Abstract In this article, the writer examines the role of the Registered Nurse (R.N.), Licensed Practical Nurse (L.P.N.) and the Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (U.A.P.). The writer compares and contrasts the role of the R.N. versus the L.P.N. and the U.A.P. In addition, the writer discusses the functions that each of the different types of nurse serve within the hospital hierarchy.
From the Paper "According to Kopishke, the shortage of qualified nurses has resulted in the need for more frequent delegation of tasks. Because many of these tasks are repetitive, routine and involve activities that really do not require the level of medical knowledge and competency expected of a Registered Nurse, more and more medical agencies and institutions are requiring that Registered Nurses delegate certain tasks to either a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or to an ... "
Abstract The paper examines how students who are interested in nursing as a profession can make several educational choices. The paper discusses the two directions one can take when studying in the nursing profession; training to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN) or a registered nurse (RN). The paper explores there two educational options, noting that becoming an LPN requires less in the way of academic coursework and training. This training is reflected in the workplace, with LPN's being given less responsibility.
From the Paper "The nurse's responsibility for treating others with respect and regard extends beyond any patient contact to the rest of the staff he or she works with (ANA, 2001). This is a requirement expected of all types of nurses, not just RN's. One of the things noted in writing about the roles of various types of nurses is that job roles seem to be in a state of change. From the very long list of specialties RN's can explore to the variety of responsibilities for LPN's, considerable variety exists. Those monitoring the changing roles of LPN's, for instance, note that the course requirements for that certification vary widely across the country (Spector, 2005)."
Abstract This paper discusses advanced practice nursing, defining advanced practice nursing, identifying the various specialty areas and comparing and contrasting two of the 6 identified (4 formal, 2 informal). The roles chosen for this paper are Educator and Clinical Nurse Specialist. Ultimately this paper discusses the need for greater recognition and delineation of roles, definitions and legislation on licensure (i.e., 8 states still don't recognize and license the clinical nurse specialist) and the need for insurance reimbursement to allow for greater practice opportunities.
From the Paper "A cursory literature review of advanced nursing practices seems to vacillate on providing a fixed singular definition of advanced nursing practices; but they do agree on one point, they all encompass the following characteristics, some more than others depending on the role and environment: advanced clinical practice, advanced educational, advanced research, and advanced administrative responsibilities. While advanced education and degree designations often constitute a significant piece of the advanced practice nurse through specific labels, roles and responsibilities are more typically looked at. There are four main advanced practice nurse roles acknowledged in the medical world at large: Clinical Nurse Specialist, Midwife, Nurse Anesthetist and Nurse Practitioner."
Abstract The paper discusses the United States' serious nursing crisis and predictions that this trend will only get worse in the future, showing that the changing demographics of an aging population are largely to blame. The paper also shows that nursing shortages are greater in areas requiring higher levels of education, such as Masters or Doctorate Degrees and that not enough nurses are pursuing educational paths to fill this need. Congress has offered tuition reimbursement and grant programs to help fund higher education and Nursing Associations are working to create faster tracks to a careers in nursing. Other methods discussed are media campaigns which have highlighted the advantages of nursing. This research examines the factors that influence a nurse's decision to pursue higher education and gives insight as to how to eliminate some of the barriers that prevent them from entering into higher education.
Table of Contents:
Literature Review
Scope of the Nursing Shortage
What is Being Done?
Have these Measures Been Effective?
Motivating Factors for Nurses to Pursue Continuing Education The Traditional Career Path
Distance Learning and the Nursing shortage
What this Research Hopes to Answer
Methodology
Data Collection
Subject Selection Criteria
Data Analysis
Assumptions
Limitations
Biases
Conclusion
From the Paper "Distance learning offers many advantages over traditional programs. The first advantage is cost. As distance learning facilities do not have the high costs of maintaining all of those classrooms as in a traditional setting, they have lower over head costs and can offer their services at a much lower rate. Convenience is the biggest advantage. Many nursing students start families and must begin working as soon as they obtain their license. They often have many job and family responsibilities that would prevent them from having a career and going to school, without sacrificing family or professional life. Distance learning allows them to work at home, many times at their own pace, and still enjoy the benefits of family and professional life."
Abstract This paper examines the role of nurses in our society. It demonstrates how they are on the front line of the medical field in both aiding health care and social issues. The paper states that nurses are legally responsible to report physical abuse. The author describes the education, licensing, and state regulations of nursing.
From the Paper "Nursing is both a science and an art. Through nursing, individuals are provided with health care and their societal needs are met. In the health care industry, nurses are at the forefront of patient care, interacting with individuals, families, and communities to promote good health, provide medical education, encourage disease prevention, care for the ill, and rehabilitate those in need (Potter, Patricia, et al, 2000, pp. 24-25). Nurses must multitask, acting in collaboration with other health care disciplines to promote a healthy environment."
Abstract This paper explains that, in the early years, until the use of certified specialty nurse anesthetists, many patients died or had severe complications during and after surgery because the person administering the anesthesia had little training and the physician had to divide his attention between the anesthesia and the actual surgery. The author points out that Agatha Hodgins did much more than teach nurses how to administer anesthesia under combat conditions because she also looked to the future of the profession and where it could go. The paper relates that, in 1939, Agatha Hodgins established the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, which lead to the first national certification exam in 1945 and continues today as Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA), professional licensednurses who have extensive training in nurse anesthesia required after obtaining a Registered Nurse (RN) degree.
From the Paper "During World War I, Agatha Hodgins served in France from 1914 to 1915. It was during this time that she helped train physicians and nurses from France and England in the administration of anesthesia. At this time the United States had not yet entered the war. Thank to the efforts of Agatha Hodgins and those she trained, nurse anesthetists have been the primary anesthesia administrators in combat areas. This has been the case in every war the United States has fought since World War I."
Abstract The paper reviews the arguments offered by both sides in the debate on whether nursing certification should be given to graduates of two-year programs or only to graduates of four-year programs. The paper cites studies which have been presented as proof by proponents of either course. The paper concludes that additional education makes sense when it is qualified with more practical experience.
From the Paper "The issue of RN education has been much debated. Proponents of the BSN cite increased managerial skills, enhanced critical thinking abilities, and improved patient safety, while advocates of the two-year program stress the value of pragmatic, hands-on clinical experience and point out that the demands of the nursing shortage require a more immediate source of trained registered nurses. Finally, some have advocated a third-course, which involves programs that enable both BSN's and ADN's to pursue graduate qualifications."
Abstract This paper explains that today a career in nursing offers a range of opportunities, both within the hospital setting and within the community, for nurse specialists and licensed practical nurses (LPNs). The paper describes some of these opportunities but also points out that nursing economists have forecasted a prolonged and severe nursing scarcity. The paper further relates the many reasons why nurses are leaving the profession and some of the ways that employers are try to correct this situation.
From the Paper "In nursing, the job prospects are good. In the past, employers reported a shortage of RNs in certain parts of the country. However, huge increase in wages have attracted many more people towards nursing and helped to control the increasing demand. It is expected that the employment of RNs will grow at a faster rate than the average when compares to all the occupations in the year 2005. By the year 2005, it is estimated that there would be approximately 2,601,000 RNs."
Tags: rural, private duty, job satisfaction, power disillusionment
Abstract This paper examines the Code of Ethics specific to nurses in the United States, and how it affects the everyday practice issues that come into play. Some of those practice issues are discussed, as well as how the hospital or agency is held accountable, along with the nurse who works for that hospital or agency.
Table of Contents:
Clarity of Goals
Ethical Principles
Grievance Procedures
My Opinion in Regards to Enforcing the Code
Recommendations for Strengthening Weak Areas of the Code
From the Paper "The nurse must protect the client and the public when healthcare and safety are affected by the incompetent, unethical, or illegal practice of any person. Hospitals have an ethics committee, where a group of competent individuals will discuss and make recommendations for a patient's plan of care that has perhaps become complicated. Many issues come up for debate, such as whether families should be present during emergent procedures or resuscitative efforts."
Abstract This paper discusses the need for nurses in triage to be able to listen to a patient and, when possible, observe a patient and use critical thinking to determine the serious of the patient's illness. The paper stresses that a triage nurse must always have the potentiality of a serious complaint from a patient in mind without allowing the patient's perceived level of distress to affect the evaluation of the patient.
From the Paper "One of the most difficult judgment calls for a nurse to make is that of triaging, or making decisions regarding the seriousness of particular ailments as opposed to another. This is further complicated by the fact that one patient may believe that his or her complaint is relatively minor, even though it is in fact life-threatening, while another patient may perceive him or herself to be in great distress, despite the fact that his or her complaint does not require emergency assistance. Of course, the easy response is to say?just look, rather than listen to the patient. However, to do so is to ignore symptoms that cannot be diagnosed with the eye. Also, although triaging over the phone offers additional challenges to the nurse, because the patient's physical condition is not immediately in evidence, it is necessary in our current health care system, in many scenarios."
Abstract This paper reviews information about the history and current status of the research nurse with respect to function and education. The author points out various issues affecting curriculum development with respect to program implementation such as what education requirements are necessary to become a clinical research nurse with respect to formal education, experience and training. The paper concludes that the value of a research nurse is pivotal to effective patient care and can help to alleviate the nursing shortage provided there is sufficient, supportive and quality educational programming.
From the Paper "The present study was designed to inspect and comment upon the need for research nurses as well as to present various educational and programming issues that need to be explored. More specifically, through a qualitative endeavor, the report presents information as to the history and current status of the research nurse with respect to function and education. Conclusions drawn, although preliminary, suggest that the value of a research nurse is pivotal to effective patient care and can help to alleviate the nursing shortage provided there is sufficient, supportive and quality educational programming."
Abstract A study designed to examine the learning styles of nursing students in undergraduate programs at the baccalaureate and associate level. Student age, gender, and academic performance in nursing courses is also investigated to determine the way in which these factors are associated with student learning styles. The purpose of the study is to assess the degree to which such factors represent important variables for nursingeducators to consider in developing and implementing plans for retaining nursing students. As it has been suggested that a major factor responsible for student success or failure is the effectiveness of the teaching-learning process, it is hoped that the findings of the study will be useful in aiding nursingeducation programs to more fully respond to the learning needs of student nurses.
Contents
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Research Questions
Theoretical Framework
Organization of the Thesis
Literature Review
Andragogical Model vs. Pedagogical Model
Learning Styles and the Learner-Centered Approach
Kolb's Learning Cycle
Research Methodology
Research Design
Research Method
Data Analysis
From the Paper "As evidenced throughout the literature, extensive efforts have not been implemented to study the degree to which teachers do actually use a different style when teaching adults. Two seminal studies (i.e., Beder & Darkenwald, 1982; Gorham 1984, 1985) examined this area by investigating the following questions: Do teachers teach adults in a different way, and if so, what are these differences? In both studies, subjects were teachers who taught both adults and preadults. In the Beder and Darkenwald study, information was collected solely through a self-report questionnaire. Gorham used an adaptation of Beder and Darkenwald's questionnaire for the initial phase of her study, followed up with classroom observations of a small number of her sample for a second phase."
Tags: research, psycholofy, medical, nurse, care, health, adult, education, development
Abstract This presentation examines the current growing controversy over the educational preparedness of the nurse. The paper covers the following question: Is the minimal competency to be considered a professional a diploma, associates degree or a baccalaureate? A comparison is made between the most popular nursing program: the associate degree to the purported panacea of nursingeducation: the BSN.
From the Paper "The theory being researched states entry-level registered nurses should be baccalaureate prepared (BSN). This proposition is met with a plethora of mixed and heartfelt feelings, and with good reason. To research the subject being partial to the Associate prepared nurse, I was faced with some bias. First of all, it is important for professional registered nurses to realize that they are just that: professionals. Many proponents of the BSN feel that in order for nurses to be regarded as such, they need a four-year degree. The American Nurses Association (ANA) believes that baccalaureate-nursing education is necessary to prepare the nursing workforce for the challenges of a complex and changing health care system (Con?, 2000"
Abstract This paper examines the benefits of registered nurses (RNs) enrolling in Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree programs. These "RN to BSN" programs improve the skills and experience of an RN in many ways. As a result, RN to BSN degree holders qualify for some of the best jobs in the rapidly expanding nursing field. This paper discusses 10 key areas of improvement resulting from an RN to BSN program. The paper concludes that many nurses find that their future choices are expanded by additional education in nursing.
Critical Thinking
Decision-Making
Nursing Care and Management of the Client
Effective Communication, Collaboration and Negotiation
Professional Values and Behaviors
Teaching/Learning
Research
Leadership
Career Development
Management
From the Paper "Nurses enrolled in RN to BSN programs have a major opportunity to improve their business and management skills. In addition to the medical training they received during their original nursing program, BSN enrollees develop their critical thinking, leadership, and supervisory skills.
The average income for registered nurses holding only an associate's degree was $51,100 in 2004 (Mattera, 2005). Those with bachelor's nursing degrees earned an average of $56,900. But it doesn't stop there. The average income increase percentage was higher between 2001 and 2004 for BSN prepared nurses by 2.5%. So not only do BSN prepared nurses get paid more, their income level is increasing faster than AD prepared nurses."
Tags: professionalism, career, development, nursing, medicine
