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Discussion

A question for the oldsters

I've been out of hospital nursing in the US for some years, even before I retired, and I'm having a little trouble understanding some of the terminology I find on these boards.

For example: Is a nurse manager the same as what we called the head nurse? Are there still shift supervisors who are not ADONs? What does a typical hospital nursing hierarchy look like these days?

Also, I understand that team nursing is out and primary nursing is in. So does that mean that the RN does bedside care, treatments and meds for her patients? The aides or CNAs or PTs (I think these are all the same, right?) still help with vitals, bathing, feeding, ambulating, etc?

Am I correct in understanding that LP/VNs can now give insulin and they are the supervisors in LTC and SNF facilities, but are mostly absent from acute care hospitals?

It's fascinating to see the changes, but I'm feeling my age!

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    The termonology may vary with the facility and State.

    Generally, a manager is not the same thing as a head nurse. The manager would be the 24/7 person in charge running a floor, unit, or department.

    Head nurse may be more of a shift supervisor on a floor or unit.

    Shift sups may be similar to a head nurse or charge nurse.

    LPNs can administer insulin, and may be shift sups in SNFs and ALFs. They're still employed in many hospitals.

    I'll stress that job definitions, duties and roles will vary considerably depending on the local setting.

    Good luck!

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