Re: Blurred Boundaries: Should we eliminate the distinction between RNs and LPNs? The roles seem similar but are not equal. The reason they are not equal is that the RN has a broader knowledge base. The extra years of study in a more in-depth program is what distinguishes the RN from the LPN.
Just the Canadian perspective on this discussion
With the RN preparation now a mandatory university degree the lines are not blurred!
RN's have university education and LPN's have between one and 2 years of education. For anyone to suggest that they "do the same thing" is a bit naive.
Research has shown that the people who understand this the least are the working LPN's and the people who understand it the best are the RN's who started out as LPN's and went on to complete their university education to be a RN.
As much as I can understand here is the difference (and this is not well understood in Canada...we have a lot of work to do)
Although self regulating the LPN does not work in an independent role and must be part of a team or work in partnership or under supervision . They cannot enter into a relationship with a client unless that client is already being cared for by another health care provider that can establish a plan of care.
A Registered Nurse can enter into a relationship with a client independently without the client having an established plan of care or being cared for by another health care provider such as a doctor.
The Canadian Association of LPN's describes the LPN scope of practice as a "partnership" so I think I am on the right track here .....
I know that the situation is different in the US but thought you might like the Canadian persepective.
At my facility the LPNs are not allowed to do the initial intake assessment but after that they absolutely do assess and report their findings on each patient as part of their job.
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