The Metamorphosis of the Practical Nurse

The Metamorphosis of the Practical Nurse

October 23, 2006

The Metamorphosis of the Practical Nurse

It takes a great deal of courage to let go of what is known, familiar, and comfortable. Change is a driving force in everyone. Like a butterfly, individuals in the nursing field may go through similar stages of metamorphosis, which is a process of growth, change, and development. (Wikipedia Foundation, 2006) Nurses have a vast amount of opportunity for growth and change in the healthcare field. "The nursing profession has often been viewed as the target of change rather than a force that proposes, leads, and implements change." (Habel, 2005) Many individuals are choosing to evolve and expand their careers and obtain their bachelor's degree in nursing. While the LPN performs much of the same skills, the student professional nurse must refine his or her skills in clinical judgment, collaboration, leadership, and delegation to effectively care for their patients as a professional nurse.

The Role of the LPN

Licensed practical nurses have an enormous responsibility- to their patients and coworkers alike. The LPN may work in a supportive role and can be paired up with Registered Nurses, creating a "team nursing" approach to patient care. Team nursing is a method in which different nursing personnel work together and perform separate functions for the same patients. Each member of the team has a specific role in patient care. (Wikipedia Foundation, 2006) The LPN has several responsibilities which include: monitoring the patient for abnormalities, checking and recording vital signs and measurements, administering medications, and providing basic bedside care. In the hospital setting many LPNs are used in medical/surgical floors which tend to occupy very acute patients. Although the practical nurse has many of the same technical skills as the professional nurse, the practical nurse may choose to advance their career and train to be a professional nurse to achieve a higher level of critical thinking skills, leadership skills, and delegation.

Transitioning

Role Transition for the LPN

Although change is necessary for forward movement and growth, it can sometimes cause stress and anxiety for the LPN. The