Roles of RN, LVN and UAP

ROLES OF RN , LVN UAP

2007

A registered nurse is responsible for assessing the health needs of the patient by properly examining their health status and the checks the patient 's response to treatment , provision of self-care coping with chronic illness and the patient 's function related to the daily living . Together with the patient , the patient 's family , the healthcare professionals and physicians , he or she devises an individual care plan . The Registered Nurse evaluates the results of the plan and revises her plan accordingly

According to the Association

of Rheumatology health professionals , the role of the Registered Nurse is stated as

The RN , in collaboration with the patient , implements a variety of interventions . These are designed to manage pain , improve function , maximize independence , provide education , strengthen coping strategies , and improve access to community resources . In addition , the RN administers , monitors , and educates about medications . The RN also acts as an advocate for the patient and family within the health care facility , the community , and the legislative arena (ARHP Executive Committee , 2002

The licensed practical nurses are also known as licensed vocational nurses roles vary from work place to work place . They mainly work under the Registered Nurses , Physicians and other healthcare professionals and perform tasks such as giving injections , observing patients , dressing wounds and administering medications . Their roles are ever expanding in rehabilitation centers where they care for the sick and the old . In other words , the licensed practical nurses are basic nurses , subordinate to the registered nurses . An LPN can further expand her career by becoming an RN later . According to the Health Career Center , their role is stated as

Licensed practical nurses are often responsible for observing patients , recording their reactions to medications and treatments , and reporting the results to the registered nurse or physician in charge . Individuals interested in becoming a licensed practical nurse should be intelligent , tactful , caring , and possess sound judgment . These skills , along with good health and physical stamina , are very important in this line of work . LPNs should also have a sincere interest in people and be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with them (Health Career Center , 2004

The UAP , otherwise known as the Unlicensed Assistive Personnel are the assistants of nurses and work directly or indirectly for them Since they are unlicensed and lack the proper training , they are mostly delegated under the Registered Nurses and help with the hospitality tasks for the patient 's basic needs . According to American Nurses Association , the role of the Unlicensed Assistive Personnel includes

.includes activities such as assisting such as assisting the patient with feeding , drinking , ambulating , grooming , toileting dressing , and socializing . It may involve the collecting , reporting , and documentation of data related to the above activities . This data is reported to the RN who uses the information to make clinical judgments about patient care . Delegated activities to the UAP do not include health counseling , teaching or require independent , specialized nursing knowledge , skill or judgment . Indirect patient care activities are necessary...