Definitions
Role delineation is a description of the responsibilities and functions of a healthcare worker in a specific role, including the current activities common to this role.
Background
The role of the Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN) has expanded with the changes in advancing technology and newly-defined patient needs. Recognizing the role of the LPN/LVN in gastroenterology, hepatology, and/or endoscopy is still evolving, the following is a statement intended to broadly describe the responsibilities and functions of the LPN/LVN in this specialty. The roles which the LPN/LVN assumes depend on his/her basic nursing preparation, specialized formal or informal education, and clinical experiences. Certification as a gastroenterology nurse (CGN) validates the acquisition of such skills and knowledge (Reeves, 1997). LPNs/LVNs practice in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, private offices, ambulatory surgery centers, and clinics. The LPN/LVN functions within the scope of practice as defined by state nurse practice acts, job description of the employing facility, SGNA Standards of Practice (2005), and the National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses' Code for Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses (1979).
Position
Under the supervision of a licensed RN or physician, the LPN/LVN is accountable for the quality of nursing care he or she provides to patients, and utilizing the nursing process, assumes responsibility for planning, implementing, directing, and evaluating nursing care for assigned patients in the gastroenterology/endoscopy setting. The specific patient populations to whom direct care is provided include adults, adolescents, or children with gastrointestinal disorders/diseases.
The role of the LPN/LVN includes, but is not limited to:
1. Observing, recording, and reporting significant changes which require intervention or changes in the patient's plan of care.
2. Implementing interventions within the limitations of licensure and institutional policy.
3. Providing health education and procedural teaching to patients and significant others (Reeves, 1997).
4. Administering and evaluating pharmacological and other therapeutic treatment regimens within the limitations of licensure and institutional policy.
5. Contributing to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care.
6. Establishing priorities and making ethically-sound decisions to ensure safe patient care.
7. Assisting the physician and/or registered nurse during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to promote optimal patient outcomes by team collaboration.
8. Responding to emergency situations to promote optimal patient outcomes by recognizing changes in the patient's health status.
9. Performing diagnostic studies as ordered by a physician.
10. Documenting patient data to ensure continuity in the provision and coordination of patient care.
11. Assisting with follow-up care.
12. Collaborating with other healthcare professionals.
13. Acting as a resource for others.
14. Serving as a mentor for others.
15. Participating in continuing education and achieving/maintaining certification.
16. Participating in data collection for research, and using scientific findings to improve patient outcomes.
17. Monitoring performance by developing and participating in quality management activities.
18. Participating as an active member in professional and consumer organizations, contributing to professional publications, and presenting at professional meetings (Reeves, 1997).
References