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This document discusses the licensure, education, and scope of practice for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses (RNs). It outlines that LPNs typically undergo a one-year diploma or certificate program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure, while RNs complete an associate's or bachelor's degree program and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Both LPNs and RNs must meet continuing education requirements and renew their licenses regularly to demonstrate adherence to changing standards. The scope of practice for LPNs includes direct patient care under supervision, while RNs can perform assessments, make diagnoses, develop care plans, and act as leaders of interdisciplinary teams due to their higher level of education

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10 views2 pages

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This document discusses the licensure, education, and scope of practice for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses (RNs). It outlines that LPNs typically undergo a one-year diploma or certificate program and pass the NCLEX-PN exam for licensure, while RNs complete an associate's or bachelor's degree program and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Both LPNs and RNs must meet continuing education requirements and renew their licenses regularly to demonstrate adherence to changing standards. The scope of practice for LPNs includes direct patient care under supervision, while RNs can perform assessments, make diagnoses, develop care plans, and act as leaders of interdisciplinary teams due to their higher level of education

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jeffbosire19
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Nursing Professions Licensure, Education, and Scope of Practice

This paper’s focus is on critical elements for licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered
nurses (RNs). It captures the required licensure and educational preparations for LPNs and RNs,
specifying the conditions for licensure acquisition and maintenance. However, it touches upon
the specific ranges of practice for LPNs and RNs providing information on the duties and
constraints of roles associated with these categories in the field of medicine.

Requirements for Initial Licensure and Education for the Licensed Practical Nurse and the
Registered Nurse
To be licensed as an LPN or an RN, a person needs to meet certain education and licensure
criteria. Licensed practical nurses usually have to undergo a formal education program which is
usually a one-year diploma or certificate program, and pass the National Council Licensure
Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) to be licensed. These contrast with the extensive
education requirements of registered nurses, who typically complete either an associate degree in
nursing (ADN) or a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) and pass the National Council Licensure
Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) (Smiley et al., 2021). Meanwhile, some states
might have more requirements; for instance, having to undergo background checks or continuing
education to retain licensure for both LPNs and RNs.

Requirements to Maintain Licensure for the Licensed Practical Nurse and the Registered
Nurse
Licensing LPNs and RNs requires continuous professional growth. Both LPNs and RNs must
meet CE requirements and remain informed about the latest developments in health practices
(American Nurses Association, 2023). Moreover, they need to renew their licenses regularly to
demonstrate adherence to changing requirements in complicated industries. Knowing that their
skills do not change with time, involvement in workshops, seminars, or the obtainment of
advanced certifications ensures that LPNs and RNs improve their proficiency. These actions
support providing quality patient care by showing a standard of ethics and professionalism
critical for continued license in the current rapidly evolving healthcare environment.

Scope of Practice for the Licensed Practical Nurse and the Registered Nurse
The practice of licensed practical nurses (LPNs) includes performing direct patient care under
the guidance of the RNs and physicians. LPNs usually give medications, measure vital signs,
change the dressings, and provide assistance with the activities of daily living (Boman et al.,
2020). They are very important in the patient’s comfort and care. However, registered nurses
practice beyond that which includes assessments, diagnosis, and construction of care plans. They
administer complex treatments, coordinate patient care delivery, and often act as leaders. Their
higher education enables them to handle a variety of tasks concerning healthcare more than
before, which include crucial decisions and leading interdisciplinary teams.

Conclusion
Finally, the standards for obtaining initial licensure and education for LPNs and RNs are
demanding and specific to each profession. LPNs undertake a one-year program while RNs study
for associate or bachelor’s degrees; such length of the program speaks volumes of the gravity of
their tasks. Both of these require continuous professional development that guarantees
competence in dynamic health care environments. The different fields of practice highlight the
important role of LPNs under supervision in patient care, while RNs operate at a wider level,
highlighting the aspects of leadership and decision-making.

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