The Difference Between an Licensed Practical Nurs and Registered Nurse Essay Example for Free

The Difference Between an Licensed Practical Nurs and Registered Nurse Essay It takes a lot 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 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 Licensed Practical Nurse (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 many comparisons and contrasts to the role of a Registered Nurse (RN) to an LPN can vary by their credentials. However, there are differences and similarities in pay, education, training, abilities, and their qualifications that are required for them to practice safely, and legally. While it is true that both are ultimately charged with providing quality patient care, the differences are vast and the careers of the two are usually very different. When comparing the differences in opportunities between a RN and LPN, one must first understand the abilities and skills sets of each. This paper will highlight some of the differences between and LPN and RN. Difference between an LPN and RN According to the Florida Nurse Practice Act, a Registered Nurse means any person licensed in this state to practice professional nursing and a Licensed Practical Nurse means any person licensed in this state to practice practical nursing. Practice of professional nursing means the performance of those acts requiring substantial specialized knowledge, judgment, and nursing skill based upon applied principles of psychological, biological, physical, and social sciences which shall include, but not be limited to the observation, assessment, nursing diagnosis, planning, intervention, and evaluation of care; health teaching and counseling of the ill, injured, or infirm; and the promotion of wellness, maintenance of health, and prevention of illness of others. The administration of medications and treatments as prescribed or authorized by a duly licensed practitioner authorized by the laws of this state to prescribe such medications and treatments. The supervision and teaching of other personnel in the theory and performance of any of the above acts. Practice of practical nursing means the performance of selected acts, including the administration of treatments and medications, in the care of the ill, injured, or infirm and the promotion of wellness, maintenance of health, and prevention of illness of others under the direction of a registered nurse, a licensed physician, a licensed osteopathic physician, a licensed podiatric physician, or a licensed dentist. The professional nurse and the practical nurse shall be responsible and accountable for making decisions that are based upon the individuals educational preparation and experience in nursing. As an LPN, in the setting where I work, I must admit that some of my roles differ significantly from that of an RN for example there are some medications that I have to administer under the direction of an RN such as IV pushes also it is not within my scope to do an initial admission assessment, whereas the RN is allowed to do those duties. An Rn can make a decision that a client will require a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC line) for the administration of fluids and/or medications and so can call a doctor for such an order. Thinking about the positive role models around me, I have to admit that the person I admire most is Florence Nightingale, who has been a pioneer in nursing. Her lasting contribution has been her role in founding the modern nursing profession, which has opened the doors of nursing for me. She has set an example of compassion, commitment to patient care, and diligent and thoughtful hospital administration, which I have been using and will always be apart of who I am, not only as a nurse but as a person. I endeavor just as Nightingale to leave an indelible mark in the field of nursing. My personal philosophy of nursing is that one must contemplate the qualities of the endeavors to which a nurse obligates their heart and soul to. A nurse commits to being the embodiment of altruism, charisma, empathy, and knowledge applied to the enterprise of protection, promotion, and enhancement of the holistic health states of all persons. This includes, and is not limited to a nurse’s practice in the professional arena, but also a nurse takes this way of thinking outside the workplace to uphold these ideals. So too should nurses reflect on their own knowledge base and strive to be always yearning for new experiences and understanding to elevate the level of professionalism inherent in their application of nursing. Furthermore, I believe nurses are obligated to their fellow professionals, as an integral part of the health care team, to aid and improve the ability of their peers. This collegiality is essential to the upkeep of the trusted image a nurse has among their colleagues and the public. Additionally, this allows for greater cohesion between health care workers and provides the patients with requisite care that espouses the statement of nursing above. Finally, a nurse must always remember to whom they are ultimately accountable; their patient. This accountability is first and foremost in upholding the principles a nurse represents. A nurse should constantly be asking themselves whether or not the care they are providing is exceeding the expectations of their patients and bestowing health advancement to preserve the patient’s health integrity. Moreover, a nurse must remain vigilant of the duty to themselves in the same regard by being able to self-evaluate: â€Å"Am I providing the exceptional, empathic, and optimal holistic care that my patient deserves and that I can be proud of? †

Truth, Knowledge, and Opinion Essay -- social issues

Truth, Knowledge, and Opinion WHAT IS TRUTH, KNOWLEDGE, OPINION AND WHY IS EXTREME SKEPTICISM? What is Truth, Knowledge, Opinion and why Extreme Skepticism is Self Contradictory? Truth is simply the mind corresponding with reality, knowledge is having the truth and knowing that you have it and understanding why it is true, Opinion is having an hypothesis but not being entirely sure that your idea is true and extreme skepticism is self contradictory because skeptics say that there is truth  ¡Ã‚ §that there is no truth ¡Ã‚ ¨. By doing this they are making a true statement. In this essay we shall discuss a more deeper and in-depth meaning truth, knowledge, opinion and why extreme skepticism is self-contradictory. What is truth? Truth is basically the mind corresponding with reality. This of course is the easy problem of truth; the hard problem is the mind trying to know reality. So we see  ¡Ã‚ §truth is connected to knowledge ¡Ã‚ ¨. True ideas are those that we can corroborate and verify. Truth works in way of our thinking. So you see to achieve complete truth there must be correspondence between our mind and reality and to know exactly what reality really is. For example If we say  ¡Ã‚ § the Auckland blues are going to win the super 12 ¡Ã‚ ¨ and later on they actually win, therefore your mind did indeed correspond with reality. Through this example we see that knowing what is reality is almost impossible, if a man is completely sure that he has grasped reality he is GOD. What is knowle...

Reaction to and Criticism of Behavior and Cognitive Therapies Essay

Behavior therapy and cognitive therapy are both popular methods used by counselors and therapists to change a person’s perception about themselves and situations surrounding them. In this essay, the writer will attempt to critique each type of therapy, as well as give a short personal reaction to each. Behavior therapy was developed from several older theories, but it has definitely gone its own way in terms of how â€Å"abnormal behaviors† are looked at and treated (Corsini and Wedding, 2006, p. 243). For example, unwanted behaviors are not immediately classified as illnesses, and they are treated as normal behaviors are in terms of how they are developed (Corsini and Wedding, 2006, p. 243). According to the chapter, abnormal behaviors are learned in much the same way as normal behaviors (Corsini and Wedding, 2006, p. 243). It is human nature to learn through experiences, so bad experiences over a long period of time would logically lead to abnormal behavior. However, if someone is alerted that their behaviors are unacceptable and must change, behavioral therapy can give the person training in how to reverse that behavior (Corsini and Wedding, 2006, p. 244). Basically, this writer draws from the reading that making someone want to change their behavior is behind the success of behavioral therapy. It is human nature to want to fit into society, and so making eliminating unwanted behavior seem like a way to achieve â€Å"fitting in† is enough motivation for most people to change. The behavior therapy chapter was full of good information on ways to make people change their behaviors. The authors admitted that this type of therapy usually takes quite a few sessions, and I can easily understand why that would be the case (Corsini and Wedding, 2006, p. 263). In particular, if one reads the case study involving the man with the uncontrollable urge to expose himself, it is easy to see how a behavior that has spanned twenty years would be very hard to let go of (Corsini and Wedding, 2006, pp. 273-276). However, finding the basis of the behavior and taking steps to make it undesirable saved him from another confinement (Corsini and Wedding, 2006, p. 276). I feel that behavior therapy plays on the primal human urge to not stand out. This would make it a good approach to use on a person who feels cut off from society, and a good way to make them feel more accepted. Cognitive therapy is based less on what a person does and more on how a person thinks (Corsini and Wedding, 2006, p. 285). It is similar to the psychoanalytic method, but differs in that the thoughts of a person can be interpreted for what they are, not as vessels for repressed memories (Corsini and Wedding, 2006, p. 287). Many people have distorted ideas about themselves and their world, and that is where psychological problems stem from(Corsini and Wedding, 2006, p. 286). The idea of cognitive therapy is to take those ideas and restructure them into views that are actually more in sync with what is true (Corsini and Wedding, 2006, p. 287). This writer believes that many people could benefit from cognitive therapy, because many look down on themselves and think that they are less than what they are. Although cognitive therapy is based on thought, and seems to assert it is human nature to be led by one‘s thoughts, it is often combined with behavior therapy(Corsini and Wedding, 2006, p. 288). I believe this is because thoughts lead to actions, so undesirable thoughts would naturally lead to undesirable actions. The authors state that part of cognitive therapy is testing if thoughts are logical, and working on ways to change them if they are not (Corsini and Wedding, 2006, p. 287). The only concern I would have with this method would be using it with someone who is potentially suicidal. Having someone reflect on such dangerous thoughts might end in tragedy if the situation were not handled correctly. Overall, the cognitive approach along with the behavioral approach to therapy seems to be a good fit for a lot of the psychological problems that plague people.

Will Work for Room and Board Prison Labor in America Essay

American prisoners receive free medical attention, housing, meals, utilities, use of exercise equipment, and laundry services. The cost of these services amount in the billions of dollars a year and government budgets are straining to accommodate these fiscal requirements. â€Å"There’s special urgency in prisons these days,† â€Å"As state budgets get constricted, the public is looking for ways to offset the cost of imprisonment† (Brown). This economic concern requires work programs to aid in the relief of financial burdens incurred from convicted criminals. Once found guilty of a crime the prisoner needs to take responsibility for the costs incurred. Prison labor has evolved from the day of hard labor, breaking rocks, and making license plates to†¦show more content†¦The Inmate Work Act has fueled rapid expansion of Oregon prison industries in the past few years and has paved the way for many joint ventures† (Oregon). â€Å"In addition, during the last 20 years more than 30 states have passed laws permitting the use of convict labor by commercial enterprises. These programs now exist in 36 states† (Whyte). Even though people used work programs in the past for personal profit and prison labor has been compared to slavery the programs are successful. Corrupt people are removed from their positions with their exposure by outside organizations. Watchdog groups are necessary for any industry, including the prison work force, and are welcomed. As with any organization, there will always be some bad apples. In American prisons workers are paid for work performed. Presently 80,000 inmates are employed manufacturing blue jeans, auto parts, electronics, furniture, handling reservations, telemarketing, data entry, record keeping, desk top publishing, digital mapping, computer-aided design work, auto repairs and, are paid at a rate of $.21 to $.50 an hour (Whyte). Fortunately, work programs will relieve taxpayers burden and hold the criminal financially responsible for their actions. During the sentencing phase of a trial a prisoner is ordered to pay a victim compensation for damages or loss but is unable to due to incarceration with no income, andShow MoreRelatedOvercrowded Jails and Prisons1821 Words   |  7 Pages Why are prison and jail so overcrowded? Could it be we need to establish a better program for rehabilitating the inmates? For many years now rehabilitation has been an issue within the Criminal Justice System. The debate of should these criminals be punished or should they be rehabilitated. What is the reason for our jails and prisons for becoming so full? Is it because we simply like to house criminals to keep them off the streets or do we truly not know how to rehabilitate them back in to societyRead More Alta California was the Last Expansion of Spain’s Empire in North America.1427 Words   |  6 PagesCalifornia occurred in the mid 1530s when Cortez’s men ventured to Baja California. They began to sail north to Alta California and established 21 missions. The expedition to Alta California was the last greatest expansion of Spain’s empire in North America. The missions were a series of religious and military settlements established by the padre. The Spanish constructed the missions to gain control and power over the land in California. San Francisco Solano Mission was the last mission established inRead MoreForeign Minors Tax Of 18521325 Words   |  6 Pagesstated by Governor Bigler was that, â€Å"the state will use its police power to prohibit the immigration of Chinese into California† (p. 81). He also suggested forcing Chinese to pay huge taxes just to be in the state of California and to prohibit contract labor. Every month, every foreign miner who had no wishes of being an American citizen had to pay 3 dollars in taxes. However, this was a bit foolish since Chinese people could not become citizens because in the Naturalization Act of 1790, it stated onlyRead MoreEssay on History of the Prison System3187 Words   |  13 PagesPrison is an institution for the confinement of persons convicted of criminal offenses. Throughout history, most societies have built places in which to hold persons accused of criminal acts pendin g some form of trial. The idea of confining persons after a trial as punishment for their crimes is relatively new. During the 15th century in Europe, the penalties for crimes were some form of corporal punishment like whippings for less serious crimes and execution or enslavement for moreRead MoreLocking Up Immigrants For Profit2750 Words   |  11 Pages Professor Kaufman English 102 25th November 2014 Locking up Immigrants for Profit There is a saying in America; two wrongs don’t make a right! But when money comes into the picture it seems Americans become blind sighted in regards to what is fair treatment, and how far to go for the purpose of wealth. Immigrants have been living and working in this country for hundreds of years legally and illegally. However, post 911 brought on the war on drugs and the war against illegal immigration. The BushRead MoreEssay on Racism In America1586 Words   |  7 PagesRacism In America Racism (n): the prejudice that members of one race are intrinsically superior to members of other race (Wordnet search, 1), a controversial topic in today’s society, a subject that many people try to sweep under the rug, but yet a detrimental problem that has been present in America since the colonial era. Will this dilemma come to a halt? Can all Americans see each other as equals despite their skin color and nationality; and what role has it played in past generations versusRead MoreThe Department of Corrections Essay2847 Words   |  12 PagesCorrections. New York opened its first state prison in 1788. It opened on November 28th. It was named the Greenwich State Prison. The structure included Doric columns, huge surrounding walls and four acres of grounds. 1816 brought about New Yorks first penitentiary, named Bellevue City Penitentiary. This penitentiary is the home of a large number of female felons. Next came Auburn prison which was opened in 1817. In 1821 Auburn prison opened a new wing to their facility. It was builtRead MoreThe And Incarceration Of The American Prison System3791 Words   |  16 Pages The American prison finds its origin in Europe. Like most things American we have adopted and adapted many of our beliefs and customs from our mother land. The punishment of confinement was rare and unheard of in America before Eighteenth century. The English concept of prison and incarceration did not even take root until the late Eighteenth Century (Hirsch, 1992). Now, American’s cannot claim that they invented prisons or the concept of confining criminal offenders within facilities that keepRead MoreThe History of Boot Camps2332 Words   |  10 Pagesthere is an emphasis on hard work, physical training, and unquestioning obedience to authority. The new private is told when to sleep, when to get up and when to eat. He marches with his platoon everywhere he goes such as to meals and to training. Orders must be obeyed instantly and personal liberty is almost nonexistent. By the end of boot camp the new private has become a different person. Such was the hope for boot camp, or shock incarceration, programs in American prisons: that young, nonviolent offendersRead MoreThe Wealth Of Nations By Adam Smith1521 Words   |  7 PagesIn Adam Smith’s famous work, The Wealth of Nations, he references the idea of the â€Å"invisible hand† and its influence on the individual. An excerpt from Smith’s renown book reads, â€Å"[E]very individual necessarily labours to render the annual revenue of society as great as he can. He generally, indeed, neither intends to promote the public interest, nor knows how much he is promoting it . . . he intends only his own gain, and he is in this, as in many other cases, led by an invisible hand to promote