LPN to RN transition Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

LPN to RN transition - Essay Example LPNs perform the role of providing the basic nursing care to their patients. This mainly involves monitoring of patient’s health, providing basic care like inserting catheters or changing bandages etc., and discussing and reporting patients’ health concerns to RNs or doctors. RNs on the other hand perform enhanced functions like recording patients’ symptoms and medical histories, setting up care plans for patients, assistance in performing diagnostic tests and administering medications and educating patients and their families. Additionally, they have the responsibility to arrange consultations with doctors and also with professionals of other disciplines in a given health care setup. The transition from the role of LPN to RN demands that a better understanding of the ‘family as unit’ is developed. With the improvement in health care delivery services, the role of family in the overall process of care continues to play a critical role (Duncan & DePew, 2011). A registered nurse is therefore expected to take into account the function of the family to get an insight into the health status of her patient. Since the focus of job shifts from mere reporting to analysis of clinical situations, the professional role of RN is attributed to the development of more enhanced analytical skills. The habit of thinking critically, to derive useful results from clinical information is essential, if the role of a RN is to be performed effectively. It should be understood that transition is divided into three distinct phases: endings, neutral zone and beginnings (Harrington & Terry, 2009). For a transition to begin, it is essential that the connection with a previously ongoing process be brought to an end; this may equate to separation from a previously established social condition, losing older identity, disenchantment and disorientation. This follows a condition when the person in transition is ‘in limbo’; this allows renewal and