Running head: PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY OF THE NURSE 1

Professional Identity of the Nurse: Role of the Nurse and Scope of Practice

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PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY OF THE NURSE 2

Professional Identity of the Nurse: Role of the Nurse and Scope of Practice

Introduction

Professional identity can be regarded as a set of principles that distinguish an individual

in his or her professional career. It can also be defined to encompass the attitudes, experiences,

beliefs, ideals, need for advancement, and professional involvement that govern a nurse’s

practice (All Answers Ltd, 2018). Nurses play a fundamental role in healthcare delivery. They

take a holistic approach to according their clients a high quality and effective, patient-centered,

as well as evidence-based healthcare service. Scope of practice describes the procedures, actions,

and processes that a nurse is allowed to undertake in keeping up with the terms of their

professional licensure. It is limited to that which the law allows for specific education,

experience, and demonstrated competency (All Answers Ltd, 2018). The scope of practice is

often determined by three things, that is, educational requirements, the governing body, and the

institution of practice. In this regard, the scope of practice for nurses enrolled in the APN training

programs is quite different from the scope of practice of BSN, LPN nurses, MSN, CRNA, and

DNP programs. This is primarily because of the difference in educational qualifications.

Role of Nurses

APN nurses play a critical role in the health sector. They work in synergy with other

health practitioners towards ensuring the best available therapeutic outcome for their clients.

However, according to Compton et al. (2006), their scope of practice is limited due to their level

of education. Despite their eligibility for the title of registered nurse (RN), they are only allowed

to issue primary, specialty, and acute medical services. They achieve this through evaluation,

detection, and treatment of ailments and injuries. For instance, they may provide gynecological

and reproductive healthcare, provide assistance to higher ranking nurses when caring for

PROFESSIONAL IDENTITY OF THE NURSE 3

patients, and also help drive changes in practice throughout the whole organization through

advocacy (Compton et al, 2006). They also play a key role in providing pain management and

anesthesia services.

Scope of Practice for Nurses in Texas

Such is the case when one considers the scope of practice for ADN nurses working in

Texas. According to the Texas Board of Nursing, ADN nurses are allowed to provide primary

care, specialty care, acute care, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. They also help doctors in

creating a care plan and help in carrying out these care plans (Texas Board of Nursing, 2020).

Having said that, ADN nurses administer medication and delegate medication administration.

They also provide patient education encompassing multiple areas of human life and care.

Needless to say, they are not allowed to undertake administrative roles or conduct research in the

field. These roles are exclusively given to nurses with higher qualifications such as BSN and

MSN.

A Comparison of the Scope of Practice of LPN and RN nurses.

The RN and LPN have a distinct scope of practice that distinguishes them from one

another (Staff Writers, 2020). LPNs provide less skilled medical services to clients and operate

under the direct scrutiny of RNs. They issue rudimentary bedside care for patients; for example,

changing the beddings, feeding and bathing the patient, providing emotional support, and

ensuring that the environment is conducive for patient recovery (Staff Writers, 2020). On the

other hand, RNs provide higher skilled care. They are involved in patient education, designing

treatment plans with the best possible outcomes, assessing, diagnosing, and evaluating the test

results, administering treatment and therapies, maintaining IV lines, etc.

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Conclusion

Overall, the scope of practice allowed for a given nursing program will determine the role

of a nurse with similar qualifications in the healthcare field. The scope of practice allows

individuals to define their goals, thereby strategizing on how they will meet these goals. To

become an LPN, RN, MSN, CRNA, or DSN nurse, prospects have to exhibit certain

competencies and show that they have the requisite educational qualifications to do so.

Personally, I will use the information to improve my competencies in the field, with clear goals

of what I want to achieve in life.

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References

All Answers Ltd. (2018). How Can a Nurse Improve and Develop Professional Identity?

Retrieved from https://nursinganswers.net/essays/nurse-improve-develop-professional-

1926.php?vref=1

Compton, G., Tobin, B., Rodgers, P., McCarthy, S., Chubbs, K., & Power, L. (2006). Scope of

Nursing Practice: Definition, Decision-Making, and Delegation. Association of

Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador, 55, 1-26.

Staff Writers. (2020). LPN vs RN + Roles & Responsibilities – NurseJournal. Retrieved 26 July

2020, from https://nursejournal.org/practical-nursing/lpn-vs-rn-roles/

Texas Board of Nursing. (2020). Advanced Practice Registered Nurse FAQ. Retrieved 26 July

2020, from https://www.bon.texas.gov/faq_practice_aprn.asp